16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December 2026)

Every year, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign brings together individuals, civil society organizations, governments, and international partners to raise awareness and take action to end gender-based violence (GBV).

For the 2026 campaign, IANSA is calling for greater recognition of the often-overlooked impacts of gun violence on women, girls, and communities worldwide. Under the theme “From Silence to Action: Confronting the Gendered Impacts of Gun Violence,” IANSA emphasizes that firearms can perpetuate GBV far beyond physical injuries and fatalities. Small arms and light weapons (SALW) can be used to threaten, intimidate, coerce, and control, creating environments of fear and insecurity even when they are never discharged.

A gun does not have to fire to cause harm.

This year’s campaign calls for stronger gender-responsive small arms and ammunition control, greater recognition of the gendered impacts of armed violence, and meaningful participation of women, youth, survivors, and affected communities in disarmament and violence prevention efforts.

The campaign also highlights the importance of translating international commitments into national action, including through the implementation of the UN Programme of Action on SALW (UNPoA), the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (GFA), the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agendas. Strengthening national policies, improving data collection and reporting, and supporting civil society engagement are essential to preventing arms-related GBV and building safer communities.

Key Campaign Messages

Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, IANSA calls for action to:

• Recognize and Address the Gendered Impacts of Gun Violence
• Strengthen Gender-Responsive Small Arms and Ammunition Control
• Advance Gender Mainstreaming through the UNPoA and Global Framework on Ammunition
• Promote Women’s and Youth Leadership in Peace and Security
• Translate International Commitments into National Action and Accountability
• Amplify Civil Society Voices and Strengthen Community-Led Prevention

Join the Campaign!

IANSA invites its members, partners, civil society organizations, and individuals worldwide to participate in the 2026 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence through awareness-raising, advocacy, community engagement, and sharing local initiatives that address the connections between gun violence and GBV.

Throughout the campaign, IANSA will share advocacy resources, highlight member activities, and amplify civil society voices working to prevent armed violence and advance gender equality.

Together, let’s move from silence to action and confront the gendered impacts of gun violence!