The first priority of MCLD is to ensure voice and agency for women in the decisions that affect their lives. Yet violence, the never-ending threat of violence and increasing online harassment are an enormous barrier to women’s leadership.
The annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. This is a vital opportunity for us who stand for equity and justice.
On the call we heard from community leaders in the fight against Gender-based violence, particularly in Nigeria where more than 1,000 girls were kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2013 — particularly on trauma healing. We also heard from our activists in many other countries in their plans for the 16 Days of Activism.