What is the 16 Days of Activism?
The 16 Days of Activism is a global campaign that starts on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day.
The campaign calls on individuals, organisations and communities to take action to prevent and eliminate all forms of gender-based violence.
In Newham, the campaign also includes White Ribbon Day on 25 November, when people wear a white ribbon as a promise to never use, excuse or stay silent about violence against women and girls.
This Year’s Theme: Ensure justice, protect survivors, end impunity
Strong laws matter – but laws alone are not enough. Survivors need safe ways to report violence, accessible and affordable support and services, and justice systems that respond effectively.
16 Days calendar of events 2026
Find out what's happening across Newham during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
View the 16 Days calendar of events 2026 (PDF)
Joint commitment from Newham’s Cabinet members
In a joint statement, Councillor Susan Masters, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Environment; Councillor Lakmini Shah, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Communities and Councillor Imam Haque, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Deputy Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Communities, said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe and we want to ensure women and girls in our borough know there is plenty of support available, should they ever face abuse.
“We are proud we are supporting the global 16 Days of Activism campaign in Newham. It’s a reminder that we need to unite to end abuse and protect survivors. Often, abuse takes place behind closed doors and those affected can feel trapped. It’s up to all of us to speak up and show support. We will listen to survivors, we will believe survivors and we will take action to offer survivors support.
“We would encourage everyone in Newham to attend the events and to spread the word to anyone you feel may be affected. We would also like to thank our partners who have worked tirelessly to hold the awareness stalls and sessions, aimed at making a difference in our community.”
