16 Days of Activism
White Ribbon Day and 16 Days of Activism 2025
Together we can prevent violence against women and girl
Every year from 25 November to 10 December the world marks the campaign known as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
It begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) and ends on Human Rights Day (10 December).
The aim of the campaign is to highlight awareness of violence against women and girls, challenge harmful attitudes and inspire action to prevent and eliminate it. It provides an opportunity for people to speak out, take meaningful steps and action work together to end violence against women and girls – in homes, workplaces, schools, streets and online spaces.
For more information on this years campaign, visit: UN Woman: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
White Ribbon Day 2025
White Ribbon Day marks the start of the campaign. This year’s theme is ‘We Speak Up’, encouraging everyone to call out harmful behaviour, challenge sexist attitudes and promote respectful relationships.
Wearing a white ribbon is a public promise to never use, excuse or stay silent about men’s violence against women and girls.
White ribbon day, and the wider 16 days of activism reminds us that ending gender-based violence starts with everyday actions, conversation and choices that create a culture of safety and respect for all.
Whilst the reality is that most violence against women is committed by men, whether that is a partner, ex-partner, colleague or stranger, we absolutely recognise that not all men are violent. Men can also find themselves victims. For more information about the White Ribbon campaign 2025, visit: White Ribbon Day 2025 — White Ribbon UK
Why is the 16 Days of Activism important?
Violence against women and girls is not inevitable, and we all have a role to play to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours.
The need for the campaign and ongoing work to prevent gender-based violence is seen in the lived experience of women and girls across the UK.
- Violence against women and girls affects 1 in 4 women in England and Wales (ONS, 2024), and 1 in 5 experience sexual assault in their lifetime.
- It affects everyone – gender-based violence harms individuals, families, workplaces and communities.
- Rapid technological change is creating new risks and intensifying violence against women and girls across the offline-online continuum.
- It raises awareness and breaks the silence. The 16 days shines a light on issues often hidden or normalised such as harassment controlling behaviour and online abuse.
- It encourages prevention, not just the response – The campaign focus on education, allyship and early intervention. So that violence and abuse are challenged before they escalate.
- It brings communities together – across the UK, Councils charities, faith groups and work-places take part, showing that ending violence is everyone responsibility.
- It supports survivors - The 16 days provide a platform to share stories, promote local and national support services, and ensure survivors know that are believed and not alone.
- It inspires lasting change – the campaign is not just symbolic; it encourages ongoing actions throughout the year.
How you can support this year's campaign
You can make a difference - whether by wearing a white ribbon, taking the online pledge, joining a local event or simply starting a conversation about respect and equality.
Every action big or small helps create a society where everyone can live free from fear and violence.
1. Make the White Ribbon promise
- Visit the White Ribbon UK website and make the promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women and girls.
- Wear a white ribbon, it is a visible sign that you stand for respect, equality and safety.
2. Speak up and challenge harmful behaviours
- If you hear sexist jokes, comments, catcalling, dismissive talk – say something (if safe to do so).
- Being silent can permit harmful behaviour
- Encourage others to reflect “Is this Ok?” “Would I accept this if it was directed at someone I care about?”
3. Support survivors and those experiencing harm
- Listen without judgement. Believe, validate and signpost to help.
- Know your local services: In Bolton we have fantastic support available for those experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking and harassment.
4. Be an active bystander
- If you see something that doesn’t seem right, don’t be a passive observer. Act by intervening safely, whether it’s checking in with someone who looks uncomfortable, or alerting authorities if necessary.
- Stalking and Harassment. Know the Signs – Act Now!
If you see it... #JustAct
Cause a distraction – break the tension, start a random conversation, anything to shift attention.
Call for help – if not safe to intervene, look around for someone who could help.
Create a record – write it down or make a voice note. If safe to do so, take video/photo. Note time, place and details. It may help the person to report it later but don’t share footage without consent.
Check in after the situation has passed and offer support or stay with them until they feel safe.
5. Use your platform – at work, home or in your social life
- Suggest training, awareness sessions, display materials for 25 November to 10 December in your workplace
- Participate in workshops or training sessions offered by local organisations.
- On social media share the messages using hashtags like #WeSpeakUp, #16DaysOfActivism #WhiteRibbonDay #IsThisOk
- Raising awareness can inspire others to act and create a collective effort against violence.
- Get involved in local events – see the Calendar of Events for activity happening across Bolton.
Small actions add up. Changing culture means many people doing many small things.
Let’s make the 16 days count. Let’s wear the ribbon, speak up, support survivors and challenge harmful behaviour – in our homes, workplaces, schools and friendships.
UNiTE to end digital violence against all women and girls
This year, the 16 Days of Activism is shining as spotlight on the growing issues of digital abuse. Empower yourself with the knowledge to stay safe and help others.
What is Digital Abuse?
Digital tools are increasingly being used to stalk, harass, and abuse women and girls.
This includes:
- Images based abuse/non-consensual sharing of intimate images
- Cyberbullying, trolling and online threats.
- Online harassment and sexual harassment
- AI- generated deepfakes such as digitally manipulated images, videos or audio.
- Hate speech and disinformation on social media
- Doxxing – publishing private information
- Online talking or surveillance/tracking to monitor someone’s activities
- Online grooming and sexual exploitation
- Catfishing and impersonation
- Misogynistic networks
How to protect yourself from digital abuse:
There are steps you can take to keep yourself safe from digital abuse, but you should always do what’s safe for you.
Use strong passwords
Protect all your online accounts with a strong password. If the person abusing you knows any of your passwords, change them straight away. Choose a password that contains numbers and special characters. Find out more about strong passwords.
Check social media account settings
Check the privacy settings on all your social media accounts.
The National Cyber Security Centre has advice on how to check your settings on all the major social media platforms (Facebook, X.com, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat and Tiktok).
Protect your devices
Protect your phone, tablet and computers by using a strong password or PIN, or use a combination of both.
Make sure you have antivirus and a firewall installed on your devices and that they’re up-to-date. This detects spyware that may have been installed on your phone and any files that are unsafe to open. Find out more from Get Safe Online.
Turn off location services
You can easily be tracked if your location is activated on your phone or other devices. Some apps turn location services on automatically, but you can turn it off by going into your settings:
- Location settings for Android devices
- Location settings for Apple devices
Internet history
If you don’t want someone knowing what websites you’ve visited, you can find advice on how to hide this visit from your web history.
Change Wi-Fi password
Change the password that you were given to begin with to a stronger password.
Avoid using social media or online banking when using public Wi-Fi as it’s often insecure and your details could be stolen. To stay safe while using public Wi-Fi connect to a virtual private network (VPN).
Online banking
If you’re worried about being locked out of your bank accounts or someone limiting access to your money, speak to someone at your bank. Some banks can flag an account that might be at risk.
Help and support
Cyber Aware
Advice on protecting yourself online
National Cyber Security Centre
Helping on improving your online security
Refuge
Advice for women and children against domestic violence
Revenge Porn Helpline
Information and help one on getting online images removed
Fortalice - Domestic Abuse Charity North West - Hide your tracks
Information on how to stay safe online
Training and events
The 16 Day of Activism is an opportunity for learning and to strengthen our understanding around gender-based violence. Find some available training, webinars and events below:
- Tuesday 25 November
This White Ribbon Day We Speak Up – Silence Isn’t Safe, 1.30-2.30pm (external event hosted by The Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Partnership).
This webinar will raise awareness of domestic abuse and encourage action as part of the Know, See, Speak Out campaign.
End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,12.30-1.30pm (external event hosted by the Domestic Abuse Research Network).
The session is part of the DARNet Dialogues series, designed to spark conversations between research and practice with a focus on equity, social justice, and experience informed insights.
- Thursday 27 November, 11am-1pm
Survivors forum, All Souls Building (Former Church), Astley St, Bolton BL1 8EY
Your voice matters!
Have you experienced domestic abuse and want to help shape services in Bolton?
Join us for an open and welcoming session to learn more about the Survivors Forum a trauma informed, survivor-led space where your voice matters.
- Multiple ways to participate: In-person, online, or 1-2-1
- Trauma-informed support, consent-based involvement
- Flexible and voluntary – you choose how and when to engage
Please email davoices@bolton.gov.uk with any queries or requirements. We want to hear from you.
- Monday 1 December
Older People & Digital Systems Abuse, 1-2pm (Hosted by Safer Places Professional Training and Development)
This external session will explore:
- How technology can be misused to control older people and limit independence.
- Practical steps to recognise and respond to digital systems abuse.
- Ways workplaces and individuals can act to end violence against women and girls.
Economic Abuse in a Digital Age, 1-2pm (Hosted by Safer Places Professional Training and Development)
The theme of this year’s campaign is “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”, highlighting the urgent need to address online and tech-facilitated abuse. We’re sharing an external event that may support your learning. This session will explore how economic abuse is evolving in the digital era and what workplaces can do to respond.
- Wednesday 3 December, 7-8pm
Voice of Resistance, (External event hosted by Amnesty International UK)
A chance to hear global perspectives on activism and resistance from diverse perspectives
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/16-days-of-activism-voices-of-resistance-tickets-1967661077250
- Friday 5 December, 18:00–20:00
Candlelit Vigil & Memorial Service
Bolton Parish Church, Silverwell Street, Bolton BL1 1PS Violence knows no boundaries!
Open to All!
Let’s show up, speak out, and stand together.
- Wednesday 10 December, 1-2pm
AI, Deepfakes & Abuse: A New Threat (Hosted by Safer Places Professional Training and Development)
This session will explore:
- How AI and deepfake technology are being weaponised to harm women and girls.
- The growing risks of tech-enabled abuse and what can be done to prevent it.
- Practical steps for workplaces and individuals to act against these emerging threats.