16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

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16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that starts on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

16 Days - Toolkit

The National Violence Against Women Network have developed a toolkit of resources to add value to local 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaigns across Scotland. This toolkit supports a number of activities which can be progressed locally and nationally to maximise the impact of the campaign (25 November – 10 December).

The toolkit includes:

Images of the National Network logo to be used on campaign materials.
Graphics and animations on key statistics/messages relating to violence against women and girls and gender equality.
A selection of images to use as an MS Teams background.
A template communications schedule for social media during the 16 Days campaign.

The 2026 toolkit is available to download.

In order to showcase the use of this toolkit and activity across Scotland, please take pictures and videos of your activity during 16 Days and send to vaw@improvementservice.org.uk

All together to prevent and end violence against women and girls

In 2026 the chosen theme for the campaign resources in Scotland is All Together to prevent and end violence against women and girls. The aim of this theme is to emphasise that violence against women and girls is everyone’s business, and to promote and celebrate joined up, collaborative working to tackle this issue. The Equally Safe strategy states that “No one sector, organisation, or service can tackle the prevention and eradication of VAWG alone.” The All Together theme calls for collective action across communities, sectors, organisations and individuals.

Examples of local 16 Days campaign activities

East Ayrshire White Ribbon: A White Ribbon pledge signing event at Kilmarnock train station, encouraging people to sign the White Ribbon Scotland pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women in all its forms.
Edinburgh Respect Her Space Campaign: Throughout the 16 Days a re-run of the #RespectHerSpace campaign ran throughout Edinburgh. Posters were displayed from the campaign in men's restrooms in hospitality venues. The posters encouraged men to think about the impact on their behaviour in public spaces on women and girls.
Fife 16 Days 16 Recommended Reads: Developed as part of the 16 Days programme to promote books that contribute to raising awareness about gender inequality and violence against women.
Inverclyde Posters in Football Stadiums: Inverclyde Council teamed up with Greenock Morton FC and Greenock Morton Women FC to help promote the 16 Days Campaign 2024 with a banner on the main stand at Cappielow Football Stadium. Posters covering the national themes were displayed in all public areas throughout the campaign with a bar code that linked to the 16 Days website.
Perth and Kinross Campaign Video.
Shetland Time To Talk Toolkit: A resource for workplaces to have meaningful conversations about Gender-Based Violence and take small, practical actions towards change.
West Dunbartonshire ‘Tree of Hope’: Designed by women supported by the local Women’s Safety and Support Service (WSSS). A number of women made a hand cut out and wrote a quote of what domestic abuse and the service means to them and their children.
West Lothian: Breaking the Silence on Gender Based Violence: West Lothian Partners joined forces in an event aimed at breaking the silence on gender- based violence and understanding the barriers experienced by women, particularly Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) communities accessing support. It provided an opportunity for workers to improve their cultural awareness and allowed women an opportunity to share their experiences of gender-based violence.

National Calendar

Please send details of your events to vaw@improvementservice.org.uk to be included on this National Calendar.