Every 10 minutes a woman is killed somewhere in the World
On 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, UN Türkiye joined forces with members of the diplomatic community, civil society, unions, and UN Country Team members and UN staff to launch the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
This symbolic but impactful event marked the beginning of UN Türkiye’s Digital 16 Days of Activism Campaign to combat violence against women and girls.
“Every 10 minutes, a woman loses her life at the hands of a partner or family member. Gender-based violence remains a crisis demanding urgent action. That is why, during this year’s 16 Days of Activism, we will focus on this escalating crisis under the theme: ‘Every 10 Minutes, a Woman is Killed” said Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi, in his opening remarks.
Caption: Babatunde Ahonsi, UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye giving his opening remarks for the launch of Digital 16 Day of Activism Campaign in UN Türkiye premises in Ankara on 25 November 2024.
Photo: © UN Türkiye/Oktay Üstün
“Every day, on average, 140 women and girls are killed by someone in their own family. Around one in three women still experience physical or sexual violence. No country or community is unaffected. And the situation is getting worse” emphasized Ahonsi echoing the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
“We must join forces to end the scourge of violence against women and girls everywhere. We need urgent action for justice and accountability, and support for advocacy” stated the Resident Coordinator.
The event featured a Digital Launch where participants were invited to share their personal messages and commitments to ending violence against women and girls. These messages, collected in quotes and photos during the event, will be transformed into digital quote cards and shared across UN Türkiye’s social media platforms throughout the campaign.
Photo: © UN Türkiye/Oktay Üstün
A striking family photo of participants, holding placards and adorned in orange scarves and pins—the campaign’s signature color—was taken to symbolize solidarity in the fight against violence against women and girls.
The campaign will run until 10 December, Human Rights Day, emphasizing the urgency of collective action to protect women’s and girls’ rights. By amplifying voices from diverse stakeholders, the 16 Days of Activism underscores that united efforts can bring about change and ensure a future free from violence for women and girls.
Follow UN Türkiye on social media to learn more and join the campaign!
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Facebook: @UNTurkiye
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Photo: © UN Türkiye/Oktay Üstün
