The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that starts on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Review of 16 Days of Activism 2024
As we start in 2025 now is a good time to reflect back on the 16 Days of Activism to eliminate violence against women and girls, what we achieved and why this campaign is so important.
Anyone can experience domestic and sexual violence, whatever our age, backgrounds, or gender, but this campaign is about the massive cost to women and girls.
During the 16 days in addition to our stall in Civic Office reception, we worked with our partners and stakeholders to take the campaign out and about, with 11 pop up stalls in a variety of different locations including libraries, GLL centres, Merton College, St. Georges Hospital, Wimbledon Train Station, and AFC Wimbledon. We met more than 100 people, lots of topics were discussed including spiking, stalking, safety at night, domestic abuse and we were able to provide advice and support about the services that are available in the borough and nationally.
We are aware that one in four women will experience domestic abuse during their lifetime and in Merton we have the one stop service . This a confidential service for people experiencing domestic violence or abuse in Merton. Domestic Violence & Abuse Support
One Domestic Abuse survivor told us her story of domestic abuse and the support she received. Please read her story on the inner strength network website.
We engaged with young people at the Youth bus at Mitcham, talking to them about healthy relationships and the work that Voicebox are doing in schools in Merton.
The 100th White Ribbon Change Maker was achieved during the 16-day campaign, with Marc Jones from AFC Wimbledon Football Club becoming a White Ribbon Ambassador. The AFC Wimbledon Football Match on 3 December, sponsored White Ribbon in their programme and their players.
We also had our first White Ribbon Walk in Mitcham, with 40 people attending raising awareness of White Ribbon to eliminate violence against women and girls.
Make the White Ribbon Promise
Merton is proud to be a White Ribbon accredited borough. We’re calling on Merton residents to Make the White Ribbon Promise:
“I promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men's violence against women”
Support for women experiencing violence or abuse
Organisations that can help are listed on these pages:
Male allyship starts with working with our boys in school
In this blog we explore the work that is being done around healthy masculinity in some of our Merton Schools, through workshops being delivered by Voicebox. Education and Training Facilitators.
AFC Wimbledon - White Ribbon Journey
We were pleased to be invited to be part of AFC Wimbledon White Ribbon Journey and award the 100th White Ribbon Volunteer their White Ribbon Badge.
Our Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, Councillor Edith Macauley MBE, said: “We're delighted that AFC Wimbledon have signed up to support the White Ribbon campaign, as part of the council’s White Ribbon accreditation. We hope that as many players and supporters as possible will make the promise to become a White Ribbon champion or ambassador.
“The theme of the White Ribbon campaign this year is It starts with men. As role models, by refusing to use, excuse or stay silent about violence against women and girls, the AFC Wimbledon men’s team can encourage their thousands of fans to do the same and to reflect on what action they can take to help women to feel safe.”
More information is on AFC Wimbledon Website.
White Ribbon fixture: help women to feel safe - AFC Wimbledon