A Call to Transform Awareness into 365 Days of Action
As the world marks the final day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender‑Based Violence (GBV), we stand at a defining moment of reflection, responsibility, and renewed commitment. Today also coincides with Human Rights Day, reminding us that gender‑based violence is not only a crime, it is a fundamental violation of human rights.
For the past sixteen days, voices across communities, countries, and continents have come together to shine a light on one of the most urgent challenges of our time: violence against women and girls. This global campaign has never been just an “event.” It is a movement, a wake‑up call, and a responsibility, a reminder that equality, peace, and sustainable development can never be achieved while violence continues to harm half of humanity.
Sixteen Days of Awareness. A Lifetime of Work Ahead.
Throughout these sixteen days, we witnessed powerful moments:
- stories of resilience from survivors,
- community mobilizations,
- strengthened partnerships across sectors,
- and a reaffirmation that safety, justice, and dignity are rights every woman and girl deserves , not privileges granted by society.
Yet, as the campaign concludes, its message becomes even more urgent and clear:
Ending gender‑based violence requires action beyond these sixteen days.
It requires:
- Year‑round advocacy and prevention efforts
- Survivor‑centered services that are accessible, safe, and dignified
- Stronger legal protections and accountability systems
- Active community involvement to challenge harmful norms and silence
- A collective willingness to speak out, intervene, and support change
Support Survivors Today and Always
On this final day, we echo a crucial, ongoing message: every survivor deserves to hear:
“I believe you.”
“I am here for you.”
“This is not your fault.”
Compassion, confidentiality, and empathy save lives. Supporting survivors must be a constant not seasonal.
Collective Responsibility
Ending gender‑based violence requires all of us: individuals, communities, governments, health workers, educators, faith leaders, law enforcement, and the private sector. Each one has a role to play in creating a culture where respect, equality, and dignity are the norm. Violence ends only when silence ends. Change begins when every person takes responsibility.
Advocacy, Accountability & Action
This last day renews the global call for:
- enforceable and survivor‑friendly laws
- adequate funding for shelters and crisis services
- protection systems that truly work
- digital safety and accountability for online violence
- ensuring perpetrators face justice
- prevention programs that address root causes, not just symptoms
Real change demands both commitment and accountability.
ENWS Message: Our Commitment Continues
For the Ethiopian Network of Women Shelters (ENWS), today is not an ending, it is a renewed promise. Across Ethiopia, our shelters, partners, and frontline responders continue their work long after the campaign banners come down. Survivors continue to seek safety. Communities continue to need awareness. Families continue to need support.
ENWS reaffirms its dedication to:
- Strengthening survivor services across all regions
- Expanding prevention and awareness programs
- Advocating for policies that protect women and girls
- Working with government, civil society, and international partners to build a society where violence is not tolerated
Our commitment is not for 16 days, it is for 365 days a year.
A Moment for Collective Renewal
Today, we stand together and say: we refuse to go back to silence. The past 16 days were about raising awareness, learning, and speaking out. The days ahead must be about action, protection, justice, and lasting change.
Every community member, leader, parent, youth, institution, and partner has a role. Each step big or small brings us closer to a future where women and girls live free from fear.
This Year’s Theme (2025)
This year, the global campaign is conducted under the theme Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls emphasizing how digital spaces, online harassment, cyber‑stalking, image‑based abuse, and other forms of technology‑facilitated violence are real and must be confronted along with offline violence.
As we move forward, our call to action must also embrace the digital world: ensuring safe online spaces for women and girls, promoting digital literacy, holding perpetrators and platforms accountable, and extending solidarity and support beyond physical boundaries.
A Farewell Until Next Year
As we close this year’s 16 Days of Activism, we do so with gratitude, determination, and hope. Though the campaign ends today, the movement lives on , in our homes, communities, workplaces, and daily choices.
“Let us continue the work stronger, wiser, and more united. The fight does not pause. The vision does not fade. And together, we will return next year with even greater strength, louder voices, and renewed purpose.” Ethiopian Network of Women Shelters (ENWS)
