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16 days of activism to fight gender-based violence

Starting on the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women, Methodist Women in Britain follows the UN Women UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign with 16 days of activism to raise awareness and advocate against gender-based violence.

21 November 2024

In 2023, a woman was killed every 10 mn in the world. Such murders are qualified as gender-based violence and are the most prevalent form of human rights violation in the world. 1 in 3 women experience violence in their lifetime.

UNiTE to End Violence against Women, the UN Women campaign, offers data and tools to advocate for women’s lives.

In the UK, Methodist Women in Britain suggest lighting a candle every day at 7pm to honour women who were murdered and offers a series of actions, from 25 November to 10 December, to deepen our knowledge and advocate against gender-based violence.

“Methodist Women in Britain wish to stand alongside all caught up in gender-based violence. No one should live in fear of violence because of their gender. As a global movement, we can effect change by amplifying the voices of those experiencing violence. We need to speak up and speak out, challenging long-held practices and beliefs. We invite all to join us in the 16 Days of Activism. You can find the Daily Action on our Facebook page and Instagram account,“ says Revd Leonora Wassell, co-chair of MWiB.

MWiB activism

The programme

Monday 25 November

Read about the history of the day.

Tuesday 26 November

Watch the film Code Name Butterflies about the Mirabal sisters. Available on YouTube.

Red Chair Project MCB

Wednesday 27 November

Participate to the Red Chair Project and place a chair covered in red fabric in your church/office and display the sign A Place for Them.

Send a photo to media.mwib@gmail.com

Thursday 28 November

Wear black in solidarity with the campaign of Thursdays in Black.

Read about the reason behind the campaign.

Friday 29 November

Read the article of a survivor’s story – such as Sarah who experienced abuse at the hands of her partner.

Saturday 30 November

Contact your local support group for survivors of rape/domestic abuse and ask how you could support them.

Sunday 1 December

Read or listen to the guided meditation on the woman who was healed of bleeding, as can be found here.

Monday 2 December

Read about Modern Slavery and the warning signs here.

Tuesday 3 December

Watch a video clip of Martin Luther King’s I have a dream on YouTube.

Write down your dream for women.

Wednesday 4 December

Check that your church has Domestic Abuse Posters and a Church DA Charter if not Restored UK has resources including posters available here.

Thursday 5 December

Watch the film She said. Maybe organise a get-together with friends to watch and discuss.

Friday 6 December

Contact a local refuge centre and ask how you can help.

Saturday 7 December

Stop and consider any change of views you may have since the campaign began.

Sunday 8 December

Read Genesis 16 Reflect on the story of Hagar and how God responded.

Monday 9 December

Watch the film on FGM on Youtube and find out about the warning signs.

Tuesday 10 December

Read a summary of the Declaration of Human Rights.

Send a letter to the Foreign Secretary/Ambassador of Argentina expressing your concern.

Send a letter of support to an organisation in the country which supports victims.