16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Every year, a global campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” unites people around the world around a common goal — to raise awareness and call for action to help confront violence. In Ukraine, this initiative is traditionally supported by NGO "La Strada–Ukraine", which has been systematically working to prevent domestic violence, human trafficking, and gender discrimination for over two decades, providing comprehensive support to victims.

“The global campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” is always about visibility and voice. About not leaving this topic in silence. In recent years, I have seen important changes: society is no longer silent, more and more people are ready to speak out and support. These are the transformations that are moving us towards a society in which there is no place for violence,” emphasizes Maryna Lehenka, president of the NGO “La Strada–Ukraine.”

According to the UN, cases of sexual violence against women have increased by 50% since 2022. Women and girls account for 95% of those affected by sexual violence related to wars and other conflicts. In total, 736 million women suffer from physical and sexual violence - almost one in three women worldwide. Source link: https://surl.li/zdkbfq 

In Ukraine, the situation is no less alarming, especially in the context of a large-scale war: every year, the National Hotline for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, and Gender Discrimination receives thousands of calls from women in need of legal or psychological assistance.

“In any large-scale crisis – war, protracted emergencies, climate or economic crises – the level of tension in society always increases. Our homes have become dangerous, because at any moment a Russian missile or drone could fly into them. Because of this, tension in society has increased, and aggression and violence in families have receded into the background among the issues covered. However, the number of people suffering from violence is not decreasing and they need support and reminders that help is available,” — explains the strategic communications manager of the NGO "La Strada-Ukraine". 

The National Hotline for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, and Gender Discrimination has become a real lifeline for thousands of women over the course of its operation.

The Hotline's specialists not only provide psychological support, they also inform about legal protection options, and explain where to turn for legal and social assistance.

However, a significant portion of violence cases remain invisible – due to fear, shame, lack of support, and of course, due to stereotypes that are still firmly rooted in public consciousness. 

"Many women stay in unsafe relationships because they are afraid of the reaction of neighbors, parents, and acquaintances. Public condemnation often becomes another tool of control over the victim. In fact, no opinion of "people" is more important than your safety and life," — emphasizes Hotline consultant.

These attitudes are formed from childhood - through cultural patterns, gender roles and inequality. That is why the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign was created to draw public attention to the problem of gender-based violence (GBV) and call for action to overcome it.

Often, it is legal ignorance that becomes a barrier to protecting rights in cases of gender-based violence.

"Applying to the National Hotline for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, and Gender Discrimination, which is provided by the NGO "La Strada-Ukraine", gives victims or other interested persons the opportunity to receive crisis legal advice in situations of gender-based violence, step-by-step algorithms or instructions on how to act in a particular situation," — comments a lawyer from the NGO “La Strada–Ukraine”.

The organization's lawyers help people navigate the legislation, understand the algorithms of action and protection options.

The campaign will continue until December 10, But the fight against violence does not stop. It is the daily work of every woman who finds the strength to speak up, every professional who supports victims, every person who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice.

“You deserve safety, respect, and a life without fear. Even if it seems like there is no way out right now, there is. We will help you see it. On the hotline, you can talk anonymously, at a convenient time, at your own pace. You can simply contact us with a question or doubt, without having a clear plan,” says the Hotline consultant.

If you or your loved ones have been victims of domestic violence, gender discrimination, or human trafficking, contact the National Hotline. Consultations are provided 24/7, free of charge, and confidentially.

National hotline for the prevention of domestic violence, human trafficking and gender discrimination:

📲 116 123
📞 0 800 500 335
💬 Telegram: @NHL116123

The project is implemented by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine, with the support of Sweden and Norway in cooperation with the NGO “La Strada-Ukraine”.

#LaStrada #LaStradaUkraine #LaStrada #LaStradaUkraine #UNFPA #UNFPAUkraine