The annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) runs from November 25 to December 10, 2025, drawing attention to the persistent risks of violence against women and girls.
This year’s theme, “UNITE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”, underscores the growing importance of addressing both physical and online abuse.
Globally, violence against women remains a significant concern. Statistics show that 11% of partnered women faced physical or digital violence in the past year, while 8% of women experienced sexual or tech-facilitated abuse from non-partners.
For girls aged 15–19 in relationships, 16% report partner or online abuse annually, highlighting the vulnerability of younger populations. Even women aged 60 and above are at risk, including harassment in digital spaces.
GBV is not only physical but also causes mental and psychosocial harm. Digital violence, in particular, is often hidden, meaning actual cases are likely higher than reported. Despite ongoing interventions, global rates of GBV, including online abuse, show little decline.
Experts emphasise that governments and technology platforms must act decisively to combat both offline and digital forms of GBV. The 2025 theme calls for a united response to prevent violence, protect victims, and empower women and girls in online and offline environments.
By highlighting the intersections of technology and abuse, the campaign aims to encourage awareness, advocacy, and action to create safer spaces for all women and girls. The initiative is a reminder that ending GBV requires continuous engagement from communities, policymakers, and tech platforms worldwide.
