16 Thoughts on 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

By Sage Alakija and Ellie Pike 

Almost one in three women experience violence in their life, with thousands of women murdered by their partners or families every year. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign serves as a powerful reminder each year of the need to address this pervasive problem.

In 2024, Evoca Foundation’s ‘Sowing Seeds of Change’ initiative shed light on the inspiring resilience of female survivors of the Rwandan genocide, who are reclaiming their lives through the Legacy of War Foundation’s Land for Women project.

In this piece we reflect on the importance and relevance of the campaign to our generation, and how we can learn from it to engage a new set of advocates against gender-based violence (GBV). Here are our 16 Thoughts on 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

1. Learning resilience and perseverance

The Land for Women project helps women who have endured unimaginable trauma become completely self-sufficient and able to support their families. For young people, especially young women, their stories are a testament to the strength of human spirit. These women should be seen as role models for all.

2. Remembering genocide

Although it has been thirty years since the Rwandan genocide, ‘Sowing Seeds of Change’ clearly highlights that the impact on its survivors is long-lasting. As young people, we have a responsibility to ensure that the lessons learnt from such tragedies are never forgotten and are used as a guide towards a better collective future.

3. The power of education

The Land for Women project uses a five-year educational programme to provide women with lifelong farming and agricultural skills. This serves as an important reminder to young people of the power of education as a transformative tool. For women and girls especially, it not only opens doors to opportunities that were previously inaccessible but also reduces their exposure to GBV.

4. Bringing together the international community

One of the most powerful aspects of projects like Land for Women is their ability to connect people worldwide. By highlighting the increase in female-led households without any land or resources after the Rwandan genocide, the project sheds light on issues not reported on elsewhere, and in doing so brings the international community together to create change. It is important that matters like these do not remain behind national or cultural borders, but are instead shared among different communities who can unite together and commit to ending GBV.

5. Gender-based violence as a barrier to gender equality

GBV is one of the most significant barriers to achieving gender equality – it stems from and reinforces unequal power dynamics between genders, and where societies fail to address this issue, it normalises violence and discrimination against women as acceptable behaviours. Our generation must be aware that to achieve true gender equality, addressing and eliminating GBV must be a priority.

6. Shaping our future and breaking the cycle

GBV is a systematic issue that perpetuates cycles of harm, discrimination and inequality across generations. By providing women with access to land, legal support and training, Land for Women has provided a blueprint for dismantling harmful cycles. Young people must recognise the need for this to shape a brighter and more equitable futures for all.

7. Gender-based violence can affect anyone

GBV can feel like a foreign and distant issue to many who have never experienced it themselves, but it is vital to recognise that it can affect anyone – one in three women across the globe experience GBV. By acknowledging the destructive power of GBV and the large scale on which it affects individuals, we can become more active in addressing the problem and ensuring those who are affected are supported in the right ways.

8. Engaging in campaigns for social change

Initiatives like ‘Sowing Seeds of Change’ are invitations to advocate for survivors of GBV and stand up for the values you believe in. Young people have long been at the forefront of movements for social change, and engaging in such campaigns is not only a powerful way to address pressing issues, but also an opportunity for young people to shape the future they want.

9. Prioritising the needs of survivors

Putting the rights and needs of the survivors first in initiatives like the Land for Women project makes sure that their experiences are validated and heard. Although the Rwandan genocide occurred 30 years ago, we must acknowledge that survivors are still suffering from its acute impacts.

10. Educational campaigns  

It’s important that students learn about the Rwandan genocide, its impact on women, and the ongoing fight against GBV. By developing educational programmes on the topic for schools, young people can be encouraged to join the campaign against GBV. 

11. Emphasising mental health awareness  

The ‘Sowing Seeds of Change’ initiative places a strong emphasis on mental health, which is of paramount importance for female survivors of the Rwandan genocide. Speaking about the mental health impacts of GBV and providing peer support groups can help survivors to feel understood and cope with trauma. 

12. The importance of volunteer opportunities

Creating volunteer opportunities for survivors of GBV, such as mentoring or local projects, can support their healing by connecting them with others and giving them a sense of community. 

13. Using artistic expression to raise awareness

For many survivors of GBV, art – be that music, visual art or film – can help them express their feelings at the same time as educating society about the problem and the harsh realities for victims.

14. Engaging young people as advocates against gender-based violence

It is important for young people to bring the perspectives of their generation to tackling the problem of GBV, and we will have fresh ideas for shaping a better future.

15. Addressing online gender-based violence

GBV can also occur online, and victims of online GBV often experience anxiety or depression. Supporting survivors to tell their stories helps emphasise the need for collective action to create safer online environments.

16. The need for ongoing activism beyond 16 Days  

After the 16 Days campaign ends, we must continue to spread awareness of GBV and keep striving to prevent it. GBV can affect anyone and everyone. By making survivors feel seen, focusing on the impacts and uniting people together against GBV, we can help to put an end to it.