Standing Against Gender-Based Violence

“One in three women worldwide will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime.” This stark and devastating reality is not just a statistic; it is a collective challenge that demands our shared commitment and urgent action.

Every woman and girl deserves to live free from fear. Yet, violence against women and girls remains one of the most widespread and persistent human rights violations across the globe. For millions, home is not a place of safety, and in times of crisis, displacement, or war, the risk only grows.

As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25), we are reminded that ending gender-based violence is not only a moral imperative, it is a humanitarian one.

Violence in Humanitarian Contexts: An Invisible Emergency

 

These sobering statistics become even more alarming in humanitarian crises, from armed conflicts to natural disasters, where existing inequalities deepen. Displacement, poverty, and the breakdown of protection systems make women and girls especially vulnerable to abuse, trafficking, and exploitation.

For humanitarian workers, this means one thing: preventing and responding to GBV must be at the center of every emergency response. Whether it’s ensuring safe access to shelters, providing trauma-informed care, or creating spaces for women’s leadership, these actions save lives and restore dignity.

At Humanitarian U, we believe that training and awareness are key to building safer humanitarian environments. Our microlearning courses, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, equip responders with the knowledge and tools to identify, prevent, and address GBV ethically, compassionately, and effectively. The courses are part of the Program: Foundations of Humanitarian Action, Part 1  which was created in collaboration with a UN agency, and is available in English and French. Participants have shared that they feel more confident advocating for safer environments and supporting survivors with empathy and competence.

The 16 Days of Activism: From Awareness to Action

 

Starting on November 25 and culminating on December 10, Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that calls for solidarity, advocacy, and action.

This year’s theme, “UNiTE! Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls,” emphasizes the urgent need for sustained investment  in prevention programs, survivor services, and education. During these 16 days, organizations and individuals worldwide #OrangeTheWorld, using the color orange as a symbol of a brighter, violence-free future.

But the campaign aims to inspire change. Every policy shift, every training session, every empowered voice brings us closer to ending violence for good.

Ending violence against women requires more than one day, it demands continuous commitment. Here are ways you can make a difference:

  • Learn: Enroll in Humanitarian U’s training on gender-based violence and protection in emergencies to deepen your understanding.
  • Speak Up: Use your voice to raise awareness and challenge harmful norms in your networks and on social media.
  • Support Survivors: Promote survivor-centered approaches, listen without judgment, and help amplify their voices.
  • Advocate: Call for investments in prevention and response programs in your community, workplace, and government.

Together, We Can End Violence

 

The path to eliminating violence against women begins with awareness — but it must lead to action. Every act of compassion, every trained responder, every community that refuses to tolerate violence moves us closer to a future where every woman and girl can live with dignity and peace. The change starts with us — and it starts now.

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