is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world. An estimated one in three women will experience physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime, undermining her health, security and dignity. Gender-based violence restricts women’s economic and political participation. It disrupts the well-being of communities. And it threatens the prosperity of nations. On the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, meet 16 champions working to combat gender-based violence in their own countries, and their own ways.

“I aim to make our justice system more inclusive by strengthening its credibility and people’s trust in order to eradicate gender-based violence. But a common misconception about violence is that law by itself can solve this problem. If people do not internalize women’s social reality, if we do not visualize the great and multiple forms of violence that exist in our environment, we are not going to achieve great change. All citizens must be involved in fighting violence against women – from home, from the education system and from public organizations. It is time to deconstruct the stereotypes that sustain violence.” – Elvia Barrios Alvarado, Justice of Peace, Peru

“People tend to think that gender-based violence entails only physical abuse. But survivors often consider psychological abuse and humiliation more devastating than physical assault. If you are harmed, don’t stay silent. Ask for help from someone you trust. It is normal to feel guilty or ashamed – it is not your fault. You have the right to get help to make it stop. You do not have to manage this on your own.” – Mariam Shaqura, Women’s Affairs Director, Red Crescent Society for Gaza Strip

“In Indonesia, violence against women is considered taboo – not to be discussed openly. Some survivors are afraid of retaliation from perpetrators. Data is crucial in the effort to promote women’s rights: from raising public awareness to policy making and evaluation. Data allows us to capture the various types of violence, prevalence, perpetrators, locations and background of women who experience it first-hand.” – Sri Danti Anwar, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Indonesia

“Inaction regarding domestic violence leads to exceptional responsibility. If you are a state official or a citizen, do not be indifferent. Cooperate with the government, join forces with like-minded people and create non-governmental organizations. Express your opposition against domestic violence openly.” – Natalia Fedorovych, Deputy Minister of Social Policy

"When I was 13 years old, my parents told me I had to be cut. I begged them not to be cut, but they didn’t listen. I was afraid I would die like my friend Sabina. I tried to escape. I couldn’t. Since that day, I have been fighting to end female genital mutilation." – Rhobi Samwelly, Human Rights Activist & Founder of the Hope for Girls and Women Foundation

“Popular culture plays an important role in perpetuating sexual harassment. Boys often use movie songs that promote stalking or that refer to girls as commodities to justify their behaviour and make obscene remarks. They feel that they are masculine only when they harass girls, but true masculinity is when they respect consent and understand that no means no.” – Sagina Sheikh, Community Advocate

“The disadvantaged position of women and girls due to cultural barriers in our community is undermining their rights. Men still consider women as inferior, and we need to change this perception to address gender-based violence. As a social worker, I provide teaching that men and women are equal and I teach men not to discriminate against their wives and daughters.” – Belogn Mack, Social Worker

“There are people who believe that rural and indigenous populations in Peru are archaic and tolerant to violence. Both justice and education officials have cultural biases that impact how they deal with cases. Many consider indigenous Amazonian cultures permissive of sexual violence, or they have a hypersexualized image of women from the Peruvian jungle. This is wrong. Communities have their own norms to address sexual violence. The State needs to recognize their notions of justice and build bridges with the local population to find a unique solution.” – Patricia Velarde, Ministry of Education, Peru

UNFPA works to further gender equality and women’s empowerment, and to address the physical and emotional consequences of gender-based violence. UNFPA's programmes offer psychosocial assistance, medical treatment and rape kits to survivors, and promote the right of all women and girls to live free of violence and abuse.