16 days of activism against gender-based violence

The UN has praised current efforts to help combat gender based violence.

The "16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence” is an annual international campaign that kicked off 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 inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

Under the leadership of its Secretary-General, António Guterres, the UN has called for global actions to increase awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts, and share knowledge and innovations.

During its first phase, more than 5 million people signed a global petition to make ending violence against women a top worldwide priority. Between 2009 and 2013 the campaign also led to over 5 million actions in partnership with over 900 civil society organizations globally.

By the end of 2013 the European Union as well as 63 nations had joined the initiative, announcing specific measures to address and prevent violence against women and girls. 

These ranged from passing or improving laws, ratifying international conventions, launching public awareness campaigns, providing safe houses or free hotline services and free legal aid to survivors.

One company that has led the way on the campaign is Artel Electronics LLC (Artel), Central Asia’s largest home appliance and electronics manufacturer, which has teamed up with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) on a public information campaign against gender-based violence.

The campaign is in line with the UN’s 16 Days of Activism which utilizes the color orange to symbolize a brighter future. Artel’s green branding turned orange for several days in advertising material throughout Uzbek capital Tashkent and public figures made statements to raise awareness.

The company joins an international movement that concludes later this week.

Since 1991, it has been used by individuals and organizations to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

This is the second year the company has ‘gone orange’ and its HR Director, Lazizbek Mamatov, also took part in a panel discussion about gender equality in the workplace hosted by the United Nations FPA at Westminster International University in Tashkent.

Yu Yu, Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund, told this site, “We are delighted to partner with a company like Artel on such an important issue. The public reach of the private sector is vital in ensuring our message to stand against domestic violence can be heard across all segments of society. We are grateful to the company for taking leadership on this important issue in Uzbekistan. Together, we can make the change.”

Artel CEO Shohruh Ruzikulov said “It is a privilege to once more work with the UN in raising awareness about the issue of gender based violence. In Uzbekistan, this conversation is at a relatively young stage. We are proud to stand against domestic violence and continue our work in all areas to contribute to a better society.”

The true rate of domestic violence in Uzbekistan is not known. However, the government alongside diplomatic partners and aid organizations are prioritizing the issue. In recent years the Presidential Administration has issued decrees targeted at domestic violence prevention, the government has adopted laws guaranteeing equal rights for women, and funding has been provided for information campaigns and rehabilitation centers.

Support for this campaign is just one of the company’s initiatives to support women’s empowerment.Internally,it has introduced whistle-blowing mechanisms, and is implementing an internal legal clinic to improve the legal literacy of employees. Over the last year, the proportion of women in the company’s 10,000 employees has risen by 5%, to 35%. The global average for the manufacturing industry is thought to be around 30%.

In 2021, the company became a full participant of the UN Global Compact (UNGC), the world’s largest business community focused on sustainable development. In doing so, the company committed to promoting ten principles covering human rights, labour rights and environmental protection. 

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