Missed the 16 Days of Activism? Don't Panic! Here's What You Need to Know

So... you missed the 16 Days of Activism? It's okay, we're not judging... much. (We're joking.)

Maybe you posted once, maybe you didn't.

Maybe you wore orange without knowing why, or maybe you had no idea why the world suddenly coordinated outfits.

Maybe you saw people talking about GBV but didn't know what to say. Maybe you didn't even throw in a single orange heart emoji 🧡. Embarrassing, but forgiven.

But here is the truth;

Missing the campaign does NOT mean you've missed the movement.

GBV does not disappear after 16 days, and neither should your activism.

So, we've put together your shame-free, guilt-free, 'I missed it but I still care' crash course on the 16 Days of Activism (16 Days): what it is, why it exists, what 2025 focused on, and exactly what you can do before next year.

So that you, yes YOU, can show up not just during the campaign, but every single day.

Now, let's take it from the top! What even is 16 Days of Activism?

The 16 Days of Activism is more than a trending moment and a hashtag, it is a global human-rights campaign launched in 1991 and backed by the United Nations through the UNiTE movement. Every year, the world shows up together to call gender-based violence what it truly is, a global emergency.

The campaign runs annually for two weeks, from November 25th (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10th (Human Rights Day) and its messaging is simple and clear, gender-based violence is a human rights issue.

Created by activists at the Women's Global leadership Institute in commemoration of the 1960 assassination of the Mirabel Sisters, the campaign spotlights GBV, centers survivors, demands accountability, and pushes prevention. Each year highlights a specific urgent theme from domestic violence and the world of work, to calls for investments to prevent GBV.

Yes, men and boys experience violence too. But worldwide, women and girls face violence more often, more severely, and with deeper structural barriers to protection. That’s why the 16 Days centers women and girls, because the data does not lie.

Why Orange?

Orange symbolizes hope, and a brighter future free from violence against women and girls.

So if you wore orange without knowing the reason… congratulations, you were halfway there.

But, Why Should You Care?

Because GBV is happening everywhere, including in your school, your group chats, your DMs, your campus, your community, possibly your home.

If you think you don’t know a survivor of violence, you’re wrong. You probably do.

Need proof?

• Over 840 women have faced one form of violence.

• Nearly 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence.

• Almost 1 in 4 adolescent girls face abuse in relationships.

• 75% of girls aged 13–24 have experienced online harassment.

What About 2025? What Was This Year's Theme?

Well, we are so glad you asked.

Welcome to the new age of technology, were Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just generating art, it is generating new forms of violence against women and girls.

The 2025 theme was;

UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against Women & Girls

Digital violence includes:

• deepfake porn

• image-based abuse

• AI-generated impersonation

• gendered disinformation

• doxxing

• coordinated harassment

• gendered cyber violence

• cyber bullying

This year’s campaign didn’t just dust off old facts, it zoomed in on the fastest-growing form of violence affecting women and girls.

But here is the terrifying part;

90–95% of deepfakes online are non-consensual pornographic images that are overwhelmingly targeting women.

And what's worse? These online attacks often spill offline. From stalking, threats, reputational harm, safety risks, amongst other issues, women are no longer safe in any space.

Women in public life, journalists, creators, activists, are often targeted the most.

Now that you know all of this... What Can You Do?

The UNiTE campaign message is simple. Yes, we do need stronger laws, but we also need better communities, better friends, better bystanders, better digital citizens. And this better starts with you.

Here is where you can come in...

DO MORE

1. Learn ONE thing about digital violence this week

   You could want a video. Read a thread. Ask questions. Add the issue of OGBV to your personal curriculum.

   Understanding the issue reduces victim-blaming and fuels better activism.

   And honestly? If you’ve made it this far, you’ve already done your learning for the week. Proud of you.

2. Use the 5 D's, and be an active bystander

   If you witness harassment (online or offline), you can take any of these steps:

   1. Distract: Shift attention. Ask a random question. Pretend you need directions. Create a small interruption that breaks the moment without confrontation, especially if stepping in directly feels unsafe.

   2. Delegate: Get help. A friend. A teacher. Security. A moderator. Anyone with authority who can intervene safely. You don’t have to handle everything alone.

   3. Document: Screenshot or record only if:

      • someone else is already supporting the person targeted, and

      • you feel safe.

      Never post it. Never share it.Give it privately to the survivor only if they want it.

   4. Delay: Check in afterward: 'Hey, I saw what happened. Are you okay? How can I support you?' A simple follow-up can reduce trauma more than most people realise.

   5. Direct: If (and only if) it’s safe for you and the survivor, address the issue directly. Ensure you prioiritse safety with this step.

3. Use Your Platforms - even if only 12 people see your story

   Share ONE verified resource a month. Follow survivor-centered orgs. Amplify digital-safety toolkits.

4. Commit to ONE monthly action against GBV

   Donate once this quarter. Volunteer with a women's rights organization for two hours. Host a 30-min conversation with friends about consent or online safety. Your small actions will add up.

5. Get the UN Women Digital Bystander Toolkit

6. Support survivors, the RIGHT way

   Believe survivors. Validate them. Ask what they want and need. Offer help securing evidence or contacting a helpline. Do NOT pressure survivors to report.

READ MORE

1. Check out some of TechHer's resources on Online Gender Based Violence

2. Read these 5 Tips to Help Women and Girls Stay Safe Online by Global Citizen

3. Check out the UN Women's resources for this year's 16 Days of Activism campaign

4. Read Digital Violence is Real Violence: One Activist's Fight for Safety and Human Rights

5. Read more about AI Powered Online Abuse

6. Check out UN Women's Online Safety 101 for women and girls

7. Read more about Technology-Facilitated GBV

If you missed the campaign, you are not late.

The movement runs 365 days a year. Let your activism do so too.

Let your voice count. Let your actions matter.

Because violence doesn’t take a holiday, and neither should our commitment to ending it.