Today marks the beginning of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign starting today with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ending December 10 on International Human Rights Day.
Key dates throughout these 16 days include:

• November 29- International Women Human Rights Defenders Day and the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
• December 1- World AIDS Day
• December 2- the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
• December 3- the International Day of Disabled Persons
• December 5- the International Volunteer Day for Social and Economic Development
• December 6- the commemoration of the Montreal Massacre
• December 7- International Civil Aviation Day
• December 9- International Anti-Corruption Day

This year’s theme is From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Violence Against Women! In a roundabout way Feminist Activism will deal with militarizism by exploring masculinity. Over the next 15 days I will be posting pieces from guest authors, men who volunteered to write and share their thoughts on gender-based violence.

Authors come from France, Germany, Iran, Turkey, the UK and the US so please keep in mind that many authors are not native English speakers and the ideas expressed may not coincide with my own. Check back starting tomorrow to read some very insightful and varied opinions from some thoughtful and feminist men, or subscribe so the newest posts automatically land in your inbox!

If you’re inspired to participate in the 16 Days Campaign you can check out the United Nation’s UNiTE Say No to Violence suggestions of 16 actions for 16 days, or read and share UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelete’s 16 Steps Policy Agenda to end violence against women and girls. And wear a white ribbon!

Also, good thoughts and wishes of quick healing are with Mona Eltahawy, an American-Egyptian journalist who was recently brutalized and sexually assaulted by riot police in Cairo. The dangers of being a woman are compounded by the dangers of journalism, and vice versa, so let’s take the time to advocate for everyone’s human rights! See you back here tomorrow.

Related articles

• Today marks the start of the 16 days of activism against violence on women and children. Let’s wear our white ribbons to show our support (jahabitudes.wordpress.com)
• 16 Days of Activism: Will you be wearing your white ribbon? (africanfeminism.wordpress.com)
• 25 November: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (thefword.org.uk)