This year’s theme is ‘End digital violence against all women and girls,’ highlighting the growing problem of online abuse, harassment and image-based violence faced by women and girls.
On 25 November, we launched our support of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which begins on White Ribbon Day and runs until 10 December (Human Rights Day). This global movement encourages people everywhere to speak out online and offline to challenge harmful behaviours, and support survivors of gender-based violence.
This year’s theme, ‘End digital violence against all women and girls,’ highlights the increasing scale and impact of online harassment, abuse, and intimidation - reminding us that violence does not stop in the physical world.
We’re calling on residents, partners, businesses, and community groups to stand with us and join the campaign by:
- Wearing a white ribbon from 25 November – a visible commitment to ending violence against women and girls.
- Becoming a White Ribbon Day Ambassador - Make a real difference in your workplace and community – Sign up to become an Ambassador or Champion.
- Lighting up the borough in orange - From 25 November – 10 December, residents and organisations are invited to place an orange light in a public-facing space to help raise awareness.
- Wearing something orange during 25 November-10 December - a visible commitment to the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign
- Sharing solidarity by downloading your pledge card and sharing your photo and pledge to your social media channels using: #NoExcuse #ACTtoEndViolence. Download your pledge card.
- Participating in local events and training - Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, Newham Council is signposting residents to a range of external events and training opportunities designed to promote safety, raise awareness and support those affected by violence.
These include bystander training, community workshops, domestic abuse support sessions, and online courses focused on protecting vulnerable residents. The programme offers practical tools to help people recognise, prevent and respond to harmful behaviours. Full details of all events and how to take part can be found here.
Cllr Amar Virdee, Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “In Newham, we stand together in our commitment to end violence against women and girls. Everyone deserves to feel safe, at home, in public and online. Each of us has a part to play in making that a reality.
Cllr Virdee and PC Farooqi make their pledge
“This campaign gives us time to reflect, to listen and to act. It’s about the small steps we can all take every day to make a difference, speaking up, showing support and challenging behaviour that causes harm.
“This year’s theme is ‘End digital violence against all women and girls’ highlighting the growing problem of online abuse, harassment, and image-based violence. We’re working with partners, community groups and residents to raise awareness, promote respectful behaviour and encourage everyone to take action both online and offline.”
Across the borough, organisations such as ExCel London and London Stadium have committed to show solidarity by lighting up their venue's orange for the duration of the campaign:
Excel’s Head of Corporate Responsibility Natalie Sykes said: “At Excel London, we stand united with Newham Council and communities around the world in support of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. We’re lighting our venue and walkways in orange as a visible symbol of solidarity and hope – a reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and free from violence, whether in person or online.”
London Stadium lights up orange in solidarity
Cheryl Leaman, HR Business Partner at London Stadium, said: “We are proud to use our platform at London Stadium to support the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. By lighting our screen in orange and sharing this message, we stand with Newham, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and communities everywhere, in calling for an end to violence against women and girls – both online and offline.”
ExCel London lights up orange in solidarity
For more information visit newham.gov.uk/16Days
For the full calendar of events, visit: How to get involved
For information on Newham community-based domestic and sexual abuse services, please call Hestia on 0808 196 1482 or email InfoNewhamDSV@hestia.org
