Each year for 16 days, groups from around the world join together to speak out against gender violence.

 

Violence against women takes many forms: sexual assault,  child marriage, incest, wife beating, prostitution, female genital mutilation, dowry-related violence, trafficking, sexual violence during wars, femicide, sexual harrassment, 'honour' killings, forced sterilization, date rape, pornography and bride kidnapping.  All are unacceptable violations of human rights.

 

This year's theme is one of empowerment: "From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let's Challenge Militarism and End Violence Against Women!".  It explores some of the deeper social structures that promote and perpetuate violence against women and girls, including militarism.