16 Days of Activism

Violence Against Women continues to be one of the most prevalent and least recognised human rights violations in the world.

In India, this occurs in many forms: domestic violence, sexual assault, public humiliation, abuse, trafficking and ‘honour’ killing.

Violence affects every woman's life in the country, even if she herself is not a victim. It is evident in every decision she makes, within homes, social settings or workplace, be it the mode of dress, behaviour or movement.

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70% of women face some form of violence in their lifetime. Let’s break the silence!

Women in India face many forms of violence from ‘womb to tomb’, which is the most pervasive form of human rights violation. They experience violence within their homes and at public places.

Evidence shows that 70 per cent of women and girls face some form of violence in their lifetime. Even more shocking is the fact that between 5 to 7 out of 10 women and men believe it is ‘fine’ if a man hits his wife when she ‘fails to do her domestic duties’.

What is 16 Days of Activism?

The ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence’ is a global campaign that starts on 25 November, i.e. International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and continues till 10 December, Human Rights Day. The campaign aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence as a human rights issue at the local, national, regional and international levels.

What is Oxfam India doing on ’16 Days of Activism’?

Oxfam recognises that violence against women has many forms, however, for ‘16 Days of Activism 2014’, we will focus on ‘violence at homes’ with particular emphasis on intimate partner violence, sex selective abortion, dowry, child marriage, and trafficking.

Oxfam India, its partners and networks is marking the ’16 Days of Activism’ with a groundswell of frontline and active campaigning in an effort to raise awareness on ‘ending violence against women’. A multi-pronged campaign on breaking the silence on violence at homes is spread over these 16 Days in Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

We are aiming to create awareness and conversations on these five specific forms of violence at homes for the 16 Days and need your support!!

Oxfam wants men and women, boys and girls to raise awareness by spreading this message and talking about it. Your help is crucial in our efforts to reduce the social acceptance of violence against women and girls.