Ethiopia Marks 16 Days of Activism With a Call to End Digital and Offline Violence
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — December 4, 2025
A powerful wave of solidarity swept across the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) compound today as UN agencies, civil society organizations, youth groups, and women’s rights advocates convened for a 2-kilometer Solidarity Run, Mass Aerobics Session (Aerobathon), and Informative Art & Awareness Exhibition, commemorating the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Organized as a joint United Nations initiative, the event brought together UN Women, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Ethiopian Network of Women Shelters (ENWS) and its Member Organizations and numerous civil society partners. The central theme resonating throughout the day was:
“Together for a Violence-Free Future.”
Vibrant Participation and Collective Energy
The event commenced with a spirited 2-kilometer solidarity run, symbolizing unity and collective resolve to eradicate violence against women and girls. This was followed by a high-energy mass aerobics session (aerobathon), where participants engaged in a coordinated fitness routine, fostering a sense of community, health, and shared commitment to the cause.
Throughout the activities, the campaign reinforced its critical message:
“No Excuse for Online Abuse — End Digital Violence.”
Speakers highlighted the urgent need to address the rising threats faced by women and girls in digital spaces, including online harassment, cyberstalking, exploitation, and hate speech.
Informative Exhibition Highlights Digital GBV Realities
A key feature of the event was an Informative Exhibition dedicated to raising awareness about digital gender-based violence (digital GBV). The exhibition offered:
- Data and statistics on online harassment, cyberstalking, and digital exploitation
- Panels and demonstrations on online safety, digital protection tools, and reporting mechanisms
- Information booths from UN and different civil society organizations
- Visual displays illustrating the real-world impacts of digital abuse and the urgent need for safe online spaces
This exhibition provided participants with knowledge of digital GBV, creating an interactive and educational environment that encouraged prevention, advocacy, and robust support for survivors.
UN Agencies Reaffirm Commitment
Representatives from UN Women and IOM emphasized the necessity of collaborative, multi-sectoral efforts to prevent and respond to both physical and digital forms of violence. They underscored the importance of empowering communities, strengthening protection mechanisms, and promoting safe spaces for women and girls across Ethiopia.
ENWS Highlights Solidarity With Survivors
The Ethiopian Network of Women Shelters (ENWS) actively participated, representing shelters and survivor-centered organizations nationwide. ENWS reinforced its commitment to providing emergency support, advocacy, and community awareness programs, striving to build a violence-free and digitally secure Ethiopia.
A Unified Call to Action
The UNECA-hosted event concluded with a powerful message: the fight against gender-based violence requires the engagement of every sector, community, and individual. Attendees were urged to actively oppose all forms of violence, promote digital safety, and ensure survivors’ rights, dignity, and access to justice are upheld.
As Ethiopia continues to observe the 16 Days of Activism, today’s program , combining physical activity, awareness-building, and informative exhibitions, highlighted that collective action is essential for a violence-free future.
