White Ribbon Day and 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women

16 Days of Activism 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. It was started by activists at the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991.

White Ribbon Day has been driven in the United Kingdom by the charity, White Ribbon, which seeks to engage with men and boys to make a stand against violence. Their mission is for all men to fulfil the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. They seek to encourage people, and especially men and boys, to individually and collectively take action and change behaviour. In 2024 White Ribbon are running the campaign #itsstartswithmen which highlights that all men can make a difference. At the University of Lincoln, thanks to PPC and the Eleanor Glanville Institution, we will have white ribbon posters, ribbons and pledges available to sign in the Minerva Building, the Think Tank, Lawress Hall, Bridge House, the Sports Centre and the Isaac Newton Building.

Even before the establishment of 16 Days of Activism, feminist informed organisations have used this time of year to coordinate their activities. Of particular note is the Reclaim the Night Marches. Reclaim the Night began in 1977 as a march through the streets of Leeds organised by women as a protest at police requests for women to stay at home after dark in response to the murders of 13 women by Peter Sutcliffe.

We welcome ideas for events and talks that colleagues may wish to contribute during the 16 days of activism. For anyone interested or already organising an event, please contact Lyndsey Harris LyHarris@lincoln.ac.uk (Chair of University Womens Safety and Challenging Gender Based Violence Group) so we can share with the University community.