Ukraine launches “16 days against gender-based violence” global campaign

On November 25, Ukraine will unveil the "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence" global campaign, says HIAS Ukraine member Serhii Ivashchenko.

The international initiative brings activists worldwide, starting on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ending on December 10, when Ukraine marks Human Rights Day.

The campaign was launched by activists of the first Women's Institute for Global Leadership in 1991.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who called for an end to violence against women by 2030, has launched a campaign in support of this initiative.

This year's global theme, which is changed yearly, is "Invest in the prevention of gender-based violence." Ukraine presents the "Women and Girls in Time of War" campaign.

"Today, every third woman in the world has experienced violence in one way or another, whether sexual or psychological. These are impressive figures that need to be overcome and prevented," said the representative of HIAS Ukraine.

As part of the campaign, a charity race will be held over the weekend, where everyone can participate.  A competition among schoolchildren will also be called "A World Without Gender-Based Violence," which involves schoolchildren reflecting on this world through their eyes.

"In order to overcome gender-based violence, we need to unite the efforts of the state, civil society, women's and youth organizations, etc. It is important to provide the necessary funding to stop this phenomenon in society. The organization HIAS Ukraine provides the necessary response, measures that can prevent this phenomenon and mitigate its consequences," said Erika Alfageme, Head of HIAS Ukraine.

She emphasized the importance of the activities already organized by HIAS.

"We have established 100 centers for women and 20 centers for girls. In total, all the activities aimed at raising awareness of gender-based violence reached 5,000 people," Alfageme informed.

In eight months of 2023, law enforcement officers in Ukraine registered more than 192,000 reports of domestic violence.

Ukraine currently has 11 Survivor Assistance Centers that provide comprehensive support on various issues for free.