16 Days of Activism

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender based Violence is a global campaign to raise awareness about violence against women and its impact on a woman’s physical, psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing. 

The 16 Days of Activism begins on 25 November on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on December 10 which is International Human Rights Day. These two dates highlight that violence against women is a human rights abuse and that human rights cannot be universal without human rights for women.

During the 16 days, activists around the world use the campaign to further raise awareness about the prevalence and devastating impact of gender based violence, to celebrate victories gained by the Women’s Rights Movement, challenge policy and practice that allow women to be targeted for acts of violence and demand that violence against women be recognised as an abuse of human rights.

We have a history of promoting this important campaign, and has an ongoing commitment to stand up and call out negative and harmful attitudes to women, and to raise awareness of how violence begins in society.

16 Days of Activism 2023

In 2023, we are partnering with several community groups and organisations to help raise awareness of the campaign, including Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West, Latitude: Directions for Young People, Outlets Co-operative Neighbourhood House and Laverton Community Integrated Services.

As in previous years, the colour orange will be a key theme unifying all activities, with buildings and landmarks lit and decorated in orange to bring global attention to the initiative. 

In solidarity with the global theme, we will light the Altona Theatre orange on 25 November until 10 December as a visible symbol of our strong stance against violence towards women.