16 Days of Activism to Prevent and Tackle Gender-Based Violence

Students and staff at the University of Lincoln, UK, are taking part in an international campaign to raise awareness and make a stand against all forms of gender-based violence.

‘16 Days of Activism’ starts on Thursday 25 November and runs until the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women on Friday 10 December.

The series of events starts with ‘Reclaim the Night’ which will see hundreds of people marching in Lincoln to raise awareness and help end harassment and assault on the streets at night.

Lincoln Students’ Union have organised the march to show support and solidarity for those who have been affected by sexual violence or harassment.

The ‘Reclaim the Night’ march will commence at 6.30pm on Thursday 25 November, starting outside the Students’ Union on the Brayford Pool Campus, and will be attended by local stakeholders, bar owners, sports teams and societies, and senior leaders from the University including Vice Chancellor Prof Neal Juster.

From Friday 26 November, the University is asking everyone to sign a pledge and to fulfil the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

The campaign seeks to encourage everybody, but especially men and boys, to individually and collectively take action and change behaviour.

The Eleanor Glanville Centre at the University has supplied white ribbon posters which will be displayed across campus, along with ribbons and pledges available to sign.

In addition, students at the University are also being asked to produce a poster to raise awareness of 16 Days of Activism, and specifically provide information about how someone can speak out and be an active bystander to challenge the harassment and abuse of women.

Students are being asked to produce the poster as part of a competition will launch on Friday 26 November, for information on prizes please click here.

Other events as part of the 16 Days of Activism include opportunities for students to share their personal experiences anonymously on the ‘Anonymous Wall’ within the Students Union. As well as chances to take part in arts events and the launch of the Women and Girls Research Network.

Professor Libby John, Chair of the Women’s Safety Committee at the University of Lincoln, said: “It is important the University makes a stand in solidarity with all those affected by gender-based violence and that we call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls across the world.

“Everybody has the right to feel safe, whether on a night out in the city or whilst walking around our campus. We ask all men to sign the White Ribbon pledge and engage with 16 Days of Activism.

“Raising awareness about sexual violence in all of its forms is a priority for University and we fully support the ‘Reclaim the Night’ movement, we thank the Student’s Union for shining a light on such an important topic.”