16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign which runs annually from 25 November (International Day Against Violence Against Women), to December 10 (International Human Rights Day).

This campaign matters because one woman in three around the world has experienced physical or sexual violence, and one in two women killed worldwide were killed by their partners or families. More than 700 million women alive today were married as children, significantly increasing their risk of exposure to sexual and gender-based violence. If we don’t collectively take action, we will never break this unconscionable cycle of violence. 

This year, we are putting the spotlight on the links between gender-based violence and the world of work. This could mean the violence and harassment women face while working, or on their way to/from work, or the harm they face at home which has an impact on their working lives. It is vital that we focus on this because:

• between 40-50% of women experience unwanted sexual advances, physical contact or other forms of sexual harassment at work 
• nearly a third of economies had no specific legal provisions covering sexual harassment at work, according to a 2018 study
• many women are forced to take time off work because of domestic abuse, and some lose their jobs as a direct result of it
• women who are exposed to intimate partner violence are employed in higher numbers in informal sectors, meaning lower earnings and less stability
• unemployment and economic insecurity are key risk factors for gender-based violence, which has been exacerbated by COVID-19.

In 2019, the International Labour Organization (ILO) established new global standards aimed at tackling gender-based violence in the workplace. Violence and harassment in the world of work deprives people of their dignity, is incompatible with decent work, and a threat to equal opportunities and to safe, healthy, and productive working environments. 

IPPF encourages the ratification and implementation of the ILO’s Convention No. 190 and Recommendation No. 206, which recognizes the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.

You can play a part by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for engaging daily updates marking 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence throughout the campaign period, and sharing our information with your friends and family.