16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Amidst Rising Backlash

Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – and the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. We, MenEngage Alliance together with our 1100+ members from across 92 countries, stand in solidarity with feminist movements in calling for bolder commitments and actions to prevent and end violence against all women and girls, as part of broader efforts to achieve gender equality for all.

A recent report released by the United Nations calls for an end to “femicide”, the killing of women because they are women. The 2023 study finds that on average, one woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes. (Let’s stop and think about that for a moment!) 

The evidence is clear that most violence is committed by men. While “not all men” commit violence – the fact is: all men and boys live in a world where violence against women, girls and LGBTIQ individuals happens, and is generally normalized and condoned. Therefore, all men have a responsibility – and the opportunity – to step up as allies and agents of change to prevent and end all forms of gender-based violence (GBV). 

A call to men and boys to be part of the solution to end patriarchal violence

Men and boys live in a world shaped by patriarchy, just as everyone else. Patriarchy as a system prioritizes dominance, control, and systematically rewards men for exercising power over others—namely, women, girls, boys and gender non-conforming people. And over some groups of men and boys based on race, class, sexuality, and other identities. The constant pressure of expectations/having to be powerful and in-control is detrimental to men and boys, and it actively and disproportionately harms women, girls, and gender nonconforming people.

We invite all men and boys to critically examine and reflect on the power and privileges that are granted by patriarchy, and varying and often contradictory experiences of power within the multiple systems of oppressions. We believe that all men and boys, in all diversities, can understand, reject and overcome violent, dominant, controlling, restrictive, and harmful definitions of manhood. (See MenEngage’s core principles) We also believe that men and boys live far more fulfilling lives when practicing care, compassion, collaboration and love for others – and themselves.

We encourage all men and boys to join us in creating a world that allows you to love yourself, care for those you love, and extend your care to all human beings and the planet. And to consider what can be done to take concrete actions to be part of the solution to end patriarchal violence. Because it is possible to end and prevent gender based violence within our lifetimes. 

25th of November in 2024: the stakes are high

This year we are confronting a growing challenge: backlash from anti-rights and anti-gender groups. These actors seek to undermine progressive and inspiring feminist organizing for change, for equality and inclusion for all, based on love and solidarity. They use global platforms to fuel narratives of fear and hate, and undermine calls of inclusion and equality. Male influencers and “strong-man politicians” have rallied young men in particular by arguing that “gender equality has gone too far.” We know that this is not true. We know that so much still needs to be done to advance the rights and empowerment of women, girls and LGBTQI+ individuals. And that gender equality is not a win-all or lose-all scenario, especially since men and boys have so much to gain as well.  

Consider the military-industrial complex. Women’s International League of Peace and Freedom (WILPF), amongst other feminist organizations, have documented that “in 2023, global military expenditure rose for the ninth consecutive year to an all-time high of $2443 billion.” We know that men and boys are used as weapons of war, and lose their lives in the process. At the same time women, girls and children are amongst those most vulnerable and affected by displacement and violence, including (sexual) gender-based violence as a weapon of domination due to the acts of men as well. Patriarchy is a disservice to all of us. 

We call on men and boys to come together to reject these narratives of hate, of fear. Expand your heart. We can build power together, with each other—let’s refuse ways of being rooted in having power-over others. 

A word about the #HowToTalkWithMen campaign

To address the increasing anti-gender, anti-equality political environment around the world, as MenEngage Alliance we are fostering dialogues and creating spaces for meaningful and accountable engagement from men and boys in all diversities. In the lead-up to #16DaysOfActivism, MenEngage members across the globe have been sharing their stories and lessons learnt on #HowToTalkWithMen about gender equality, women’s rights, and LGBTQI+ rights in their contexts. Through this initiative we aim to listen to men’s and boys’ experiences, and call them in to advance gender justice and human rights for all. 

We take the opportunity of this 16 Days of Activism to call for stronger unity among those who stand for equality, justice and rights for all. We will not accept to be divided-and-ruled. Together we can – and we will – continue to counter the tide and progress to disrupt patriarchal systems and end all forms of violence. 

In solidarity

The Global Secretariat
MenEngage Alliance