16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that takes place every year from 25th November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10th December, World Human Rights Day. The campaign is an opportunity for individuals, organisations, movements, and institutions to raise awareness and take action about the most pervasive and deeply-rooted human rights violation worldwide – gender-based violence, and work towards eradicating violence against women and girls (and other marginalised genders). Violence against women is not just a women’s issue, it is a human rights issue and eliminating it in all its forms is essential for building inclusive peace.
Transform destructive ideas of manhood
To end violence against women and girls, we need to challenge the attitudes that perpetuate, rationalise, and normalise that violence. Men are overwhelmingly the perpetrators of violence against women and girls. This is often to do with harmful norms of masculinity – prevalent around the world – conflating the idea of manhood with aggression, dominance and superiority. In order to work on this root cause of violence against women, we need to transform these destructive ideas of manhood. It is essential to mobilise men and boys to end gender-based violence, and to work together to dismantle the patriarchal structures, norms, and systems that perpetrate this violence, and to create new, positive and diverse notions about masculinity.
The link between gender inequality and violent conflict
At PAX, we understand that many aspects of conflict and peace are inherently gendered. For example, gender norms that equate masculinity with aggression and dominance can drive conflict and insecurity. In fact, there is a direct link between gender inequality and violent conflict. Conflict itself impacts people very differently depending on their gender, age, ethnicity, religion, ability and so forth. Peacebuilding work must transform unequal gendered power dynamics to achieve inclusive peace. Within our (gender transformative) work, we engage and mobilise men to address the root causes of inequality; we aim to deepen understanding of the narratives of masculinities and manhood in the societies where we work, and together with partners, formulate strategies to promote more peaceful and positive norms.
Challenge the stereotypes
Now more than ever, it’s important to explore the relationships between men, masculinities, conflict, care, and love. For this year’s 16 Days of Activism, we will highlight our and our partners’ work in conflict-affected areas that are engaging men for inclusive peace, and working to promote inspiring, new notions of masculinity. Let’s challenge the stereotypes of men as inevitably aggressive and violent, and show a more nuanced portrayal of men as warm, caring and compassionate. And as agents of positive change for inclusive peace. We want to shift the conversation of gender-based violence and violence against women from being simply a ‘woman’s issue’, but understand it as a global issue that impacts gender equality, peace, justice, and dignity for all.
Photo exhibition
To launch our campaign, PAX and WILPF are co-organising an outdoor photo exhibition beginning in Utrecht on 25th November and travelling to Amsterdam until 2 until 8 December.
