By OSDA – Organization for Sustainable Development Africa
Every year, from 25 November to 10 December, the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence—a global movement calling for action, accountability, and protection for women and girls everywhere.
As we approach the final day tomorrow, this is a moment to reflect on why the campaign matters and what each of these 16 days has encouraged us to think about.
For 2025, UN Women has chosen a theme that speaks to one of the fastest-growing forms of harm: digital violence. Online harassment, cyberstalking, image-based abuse, deepfake exploitation, and other technology-facilitated violations are becoming common, especially for women and girls in fragile or underserved communities.
At OSDA, we believe that every woman and girl deserves safety in all spaces—physical and digital alike. Below is a look at each day of the campaign and the theme it highlights.
DAY 1 – November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Theme: Understanding Digital Violence
A global reminder that digital violence is real and deserves urgent attention.
DAY 2 – November 26
Theme: Online Harassment and Hate Speech
Women face disproportionate levels of online abuse, often targeting their identity, voice, and visibility.
DAY 3 – November 27
Theme: Cyberstalking and Digital Surveillance
Technology can be used to monitor, track, and control. This day highlights the risks and the need for awareness.
DAY 4 – November 28
Theme: Privacy, Consent, and Image-Based Abuse
From non-consensual image sharing to deepfakes, violating a woman’s digital consent is a growing concern.
DAY 5 – November 29
Theme: Girls’ Safety Online
Young girls face grooming, bullying, and exposure to harmful content. Today focuses on safeguarding them.
DAY 6 – November 30
Theme: Cyberbullying and Emotional Harm
Behind every online message is a real person. Cyberbullying affects mental health and self-esteem.
DAY 7 – December 1
Theme: Digital Stigma, HIV, and Online Discrimination
On World AIDS Day, we reflect on harmful narratives that target women living with or vulnerable to HIV.
DAY 8 – December 2
Theme: Digital Safety for Women in Fragile Settings
Women in humanitarian or conflict-prone areas face layered vulnerabilities, including digital exploitation.
DAY 9 – December 3
Theme: Women with Disabilities Online
Women with disabilities face accessibility barriers and targeted online abuse. Today acknowledges their rights.
DAY 10 – December 4
Theme: Safe Online Spaces for Women Entrepreneurs
As more women work online, they encounter new risks, including scams, harassment, and exploitation.
DAY 11 – December 5
Theme: Protecting Women Human Rights Defenders Online
Women activists, journalists, and defenders often experience coordinated online attacks. This day honours them.
DAY 12 – December 6
Theme: Technology-Facilitated Domestic Abuse
Abuse today can include tracking apps, spyware, password control, and other forms of digital manipulation.
DAY 13 – December 7
Theme: Digital Literacy and Empowerment
Digital understanding—safe browsing, privacy, strong passwords—helps women protect themselves online.
DAY 14 – December 8
Theme: Mental Health and Digital Harm
Online abuse can leave emotional scars. Today centres well-being and healing.
DAY 15 – December 9
Theme: Accountability, Justice, and Tech Regulation
Ending digital violence requires strong laws, responsive platforms, and justice systems that understand digital harm.
DAY 16 – December 10 (Tomorrow): Human Rights Day
Theme: A Future Free from Digital Violence
The campaign closes tomorrow with a reminder: online safety is a human right, and every woman and girl deserves it.
Why This Campaign Matters to OSDA
In regions such as Northern Kenya—where OSDA works extensively in digital inclusion, peacebuilding, community resilience, WASH, and climate action—women and girls are increasingly active online. Digital spaces offer opportunities for learning, business, and connection, but they also come with risks.
OSDA remains committed to:
• Promoting safe and responsible digital access
• Supporting survivors with referrals and pathways to help
• Building awareness among youth, parents, and community leaders
• Advocating for stronger digital protection systems
• Ensuring women’s voices are respected, protected, and heard
As the 16 Days conclude tomorrow, we reaffirm our commitment to a future where all women and girls can participate safely—online and offline.
