16 Days of Activism: Amplifying Women’s Voices, Defending Democracy

During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, elbarlament published dedicated posts spotlighting the many forms of violence women face — and the courage, resilience, and leadership of those working to end it.

Across the campaign, we explored how violence against women undermines democracy itself, from domestic and workplace violence to digital harassment, online blackmail, and coordinated disinformation targeting women journalists, activists, and human rights defenders. We shared data that underscores the scale of the crisis, alongside survivor-centred perspectives and concrete examples from our work across Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and the wider SWANA region.

Our posts addressed:

• Gender-based violence online and offline, including TFGBV and digital security

• Risks faced by women journalists, activists, and HRDs, and the importance of protection and mental health support

• Workplace safety, healthcare access, and bodily autonomy

• The heightened vulnerabilities of displaced and refugee women

• Harmful practices such as forced marriage, femicide, and “honor” crimes

• The power of grassroots feminist movements and collective action

Throughout the 16 days, one message remained clear: violence against women is preventable — and ending it requires political will, accountability, and solidarity.

We are grateful to the women leaders, partners, and communities who shared their knowledge, experiences, and strength throughout this campaign. Their work continues long after these 16 days — and so does ours.