/ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign

This international campaign aims to raise awareness on the different forms of violence against women while promoting women rights as human rights.
A large number of women suffer from domestic violence, committed by their partners or family members. Some migrant women become victims of trafficking and are subsequently sent back home as “illegal aliens” instead of being protected by the state. Even where violence is not visible to the eye, women suffer from varying degrees of discrimination and structural violence.

Throughout the world, activists have been promoting these «16 days of Activism» with a large number of activities every year. The International Day Against Violence Against Women on the 25th of November marks the beginning of the «16 days» which end on the International Human Rights Day on the 10th of December.

In Switzerland, 2009 is the second year of common activities – unions, women’s organisations, peace organisations and churches are combining efforts in highlighting the work done to confront various aspects of violence against women. The feminist peace organisation cfd has launched the campaign and is coordinating activities including conferences, film presentations, public actions, expositions, and much more. White ribbons, an international symbol of activism against violence against women, will be distributed in order to raise awareness for the campaign.