Rutgers University–New Brunswick’s Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) is coordinating more than 6,000 organizations across 180 countries in 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, one of the world’s most widely recognized and longest-running women’s rights campaigns.
Throughout the campaign, organizations will raise awareness at the local, national and international levels regarding violence against women through events, letter writing campaigns, workshops and other activities. Launched by CWGL in partnership with 12 global activists in 1991, the 16 Days campaign is supported by Amnesty International, YWCA, the UN Population Fund and other worldwide organizations. It runs through Dec. 10 (Human Rights Day).
Krishanti Dharmaraj, executive director of the Center for Women’s Global Leadership within the School of Arts and Sciences, spoke with Rutgers Today about this year’s campaign, its connection to the #MeToo movement and new efforts to push for change year-round.
How does this year’s campaign differ from those in the past?
To support this year’s campaign theme, “End Gender-Based Violence in the World of Work,” participants will demand their governments adopt an International Labor Organization’s instrument that establishes standards against harassment and violence in the world of work. By bridging the women’s rights movement with the labor rights movement, 16 Days aims to ensure that institutions around the world adequately recognize and address the realities and vulnerabilities that women workers face. Another new initiative this year is the push for “16 to 365,” which will use the 16 Day burst of global energy to help implement sustained, local engagement year-round. Further information can be found here.
What does this movement mean in the era of #MeToo and #TimesUp?
#MeToo/YoTambién and other movements have amplified the testimonies of violence and harassment that women workers face. The time is right to build on this momentum and not only continue this conversation, but shift it further toward zero tolerance, with accountability secured through global standards and local realities. The 16 Days campaign will use its unique reach to women’s and civil society organizations around the world, in partnership with labor rights organizations and unions to work toward this goal. Our more than 6,000 partners include grassroots organizations, religious entities, academic institutions, labor unions, UN agencies and some governments with a reach of close to 300 million.
How can people get involved?
We just launched the new digital platform for the campaign at 16dayscampaign.org. The website now serves as an interactive hub to share campaigns, events, advocacy advisories and other resources. Follow us at @16dayscampaign on Twitter for the latest actions and information. Further questions can be directed to 16days@cwgl.rutgers.edu.
