16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE CAUCASUS

Since 1991, over 800 organisations in more than 90 countries have participated in an international campaign calling for the elimination of all forms of violence against women.  The campaign symbolically links violence against women and human rights, emphasising that all forms of violence, whether perpetrated in public or private, are a violation of human rights. The 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign which developed from an initiative of the First Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991 when participants of the Institute chose four significant dates that symbolically link violence against women with human rights. 

The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign activities are used globally as an 'organising strategy' by groups around the world to call for the elimination of all forms of violence against women. 

During 2000 WomenAid International introduced and promoted the 16 Days global campaigning strategy in the Caucasus and supported the establishment of a regional focal point for the coordination of 16 Days activities. 

Georgia was chosen as most appropriate country to pilot the first nationally coordinated 16 Days Campaign in the region because Georgia's geographical situation provides an acceptable strategic gateway to all partners in both Armenia and Azerbaijan. This pilot campaign was highly successful and the 2001 Caucasus 16 Days activities are being funded by several donors.

PILOT PROGRAMME 16 DAYS 2000 IN GEORGIA 

16 Days Coordination Committee

16 Days Supporting Organisations

16 Days Calendar

16 Days Poster

A GEORGIAN JOINT DECLARATION AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE

WomenAid International initiated this Joint Declaration Against Gender Violence which was drafted by WomenAid staff together with members of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Coordination Committee in Georgia. Signed by over 70 organisation including UN agencies, governmental ministries, international and local non-governmental organisations it was launched at the WomenAid sponsored conference on ‘Gender Violence and Human Rights’ held to mark International Human Rights Day, 10th December 2000, at the Metekhi Sheraton Palace Hotel, Tbilisi, Georgia.

PRESS RELEASES – 16 DAYS CAMPAIGN, GEORGIA 2000
Press Conference - November 25th
First International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Human Rights Day Conference 10th December 2000
’Gender Violence & Human Rights’.
Agenda - Conference on Gender Violence & Human Rights