In 2023, a woman was killed every 10 mn in the world. Such murders are qualified as gender-based violence and are the most prevalent form of human rights violation in the world. 1 in 3 women experience violence in their lifetime.
UNiTE to End Violence against Women, the UN Women campaign, offers data and tools to advocate for women’s lives.
In the UK, Methodist Women in Britain suggest lighting a candle every day at 7pm to honour women who were murdered and offers a series of actions, from 25 November to 10 December, to deepen our knowledge and advocate against gender-based violence.
“Methodist Women in Britain wish to stand alongside all caught up in gender-based violence. No one should live in fear of violence because of their gender. As a global movement, we can effect change by amplifying the voices of those experiencing violence. We need to speak up and speak out, challenging long-held practices and beliefs. We invite all to join us in the 16 Days of Activism. You can find the Daily Action on our Facebook page and Instagram account,“ says Revd Leonora Wassell, co-chair of MWiB.
The programme
Monday 25 November
Read about the history of the day.
Tuesday 26 November
Watch the film Code Name Butterflies about the Mirabal sisters. Available on YouTube.
Wednesday 27 November
Participate to the Red Chair Project and place a chair covered in red fabric in your church/office and display the sign A Place for Them.
Send a photo to [email protected]
Thursday 28 November
Wear black in solidarity with the campaign of Thursdays in Black.
Read about the reason behind the campaign.
Friday 29 November
Read the article of a survivor’s story – such as Sarah who experienced abuse at the hands of her partner.
Saturday 30 November
Contact your local support group for survivors of rape/domestic abuse and ask how you could support them.
Sunday 1 December
Read or listen to the guided meditation on the woman who was healed of bleeding, as can be found here.
Monday 2 December
Read about Modern Slavery and the warning signs here.
Tuesday 3 December
Watch a video clip of Martin Luther King’s I have a dream on YouTube.
Write down your dream for women.
Wednesday 4 December
Check that your church has Domestic Abuse Posters and a Church DA Charter if not Restored UK has resources including posters available here.
Thursday 5 December
Watch the film She said. Maybe organise a get-together with friends to watch and discuss.
Friday 6 December
Contact a local refuge centre and ask how you can help.
Saturday 7 December
Stop and consider any change of views you may have since the campaign began.
Sunday 8 December
Read Genesis 16 Reflect on the story of Hagar and how God responded.
Monday 9 December
Watch the film on FGM on Youtube and find out about the warning signs.
Tuesday 10 December
Read a summary of the Declaration of Human Rights.
Send a letter to the Foreign Secretary/Ambassador of Argentina expressing your concern.
Send a letter of support to an organisation in the country which supports victims.