Hi everyone, and welcome to the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign! As the Program Coordinator of the 16 Days Campaign, I am thrilled to join Stardollers from all over the world in celebrating the start of the Campaign to end violence against women and girls.

The 16 Days Campaign occurs during the 16-day-long period from November 25 to December 10. November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and December 10th is International Human Rights Day. Many other important days fall in the 16 days, including International Women Human Rights Defenders Day (Nov 29) and World AIDS Day (Dec 1). The purpose of having the Campaign during this time is to show that violence against women is a violation of human rights.

This year’s Campaign theme is, "From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let's Challenge Militarism and End Violence Against Women!" Did you know that approximately one out of three women experience violence in their lifetime, and that the risk of being killed due to domestic violence triples when there is a gun in the home?

So how can you get involved? What are some ways you can promote peace and nonviolence in your community, school or world?

In addition to Stardoll’s 16 Days Campaign site, I encourage everyone to visit the official 16 Days Campaign website. Here you can learn more about the Campaign, download the Take Action Kit, and check out our International Online Calendar of activities. Remember, activism can be any action you take to create change and improve the world! You can engage in activism in many ways, from raising awareness, to making expressive art, and to talking with your friends and family.

How are you going to help build a more peaceful world? Tell us in the comments.

Peace,
Julie

By Julie Salthouse, 16 Days Campaign Coordinator
Center for Women's Global Leadership