CEO Note: Ending 16 Days, Embracing a Lifetime of Action: Advancing Women's Rights as Human Rights

“As the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence draws to a close today, coinciding with International Human Rights Day, we are reminded of the inextricable link between women’s rights and human rights. This campaign may conclude, but our commitment to ensuring dignity, safety, and equality for all continues steadfastly every single day. I look forward to receiving our internal nominations for our Blooming Strong Flowers as a recognition of the diamonds we know are working so hard.  My own Blooming Strong Flower takes pride of place in my workspace. It reminds me to keep on going because the work we do is challenging and tough but is so purposeful.

International Human Rights Day, celebrated on December 10, commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 — a document affirming the inherent rights of every human being. Yet, the stark reality persists: the rights of women and girls remain disproportionately threatened, with gender-based violence being one of the most pervasive violations of human rights globally. According to UN Women, approximately one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence in her lifetime, often at the hands of someone she knows​.

This reality underscores the tragic and ironic systemic struggles that women endure, not only to survive but also to thrive. As Emma Watson powerfully stated during the launch of her HeForShe campaign: "If not me, who? If not now, when?" This call to action challenges each of us to take personal responsibility in driving change within our own spheres of influence. 

It is equally important to remember that men and boys must stand as allies in this fight. The White Ribbon Campaign, which encourages men to pledge never to commit, excuse, or remain silent about violence against women, exemplifies the crucial role of male advocacy. By inspiring men to challenge their peers and break cycles of mysogynistic masculinity, we can work toward creating a culture rooted in mutual respect and equality. 

Hearing survivors’ voices over these past 16 days has reinforced my commitment to prioritising their insights in shaping best-practice responses. Their resilience and courage serve as powerful reminders of why we do what we do. Holly’s evocative artwork, which has highlighted the devastating consequences of gender-based violence, compels us to remember those whose voices have been silenced too soon. We must honour their journeys by embedding the learning from Domestic Abuse Related Deaths into every aspect of our work. 

Reflecting on the importance of coordinated community responses, I am reaffirmed in my belief that everyone can be a change maker. Men and boys must be integral to these efforts, challenging harmful norms and supporting healthier, equitable behaviours. At the same time, our responses must address the barriers faced by marginalised groups, ensuring that intersectionality remains central to our work. 

Importantly, we must shift the narrative from merely highlighting problems to finding and implementing solutions together. Community engagement, education, and proactive interventions are essential to breaking patterns of violence and creating lasting change. With ambition — such as the government’s target to halve gender-based violence in a decade — we must remain relentless, not just during these 16 days, but throughout the year. 

My deepest thanks go our partners, and our wider sector colleagues for their unwavering dedication. My thanks also goes to the Home Office, FCDO, national leads and Government colleagues who are clear that VAWG should be considered a national emergency – and the ambition to halve it in a decade will be challenging but I am confident that our inspirational sector are ready to meet the challenge! Most importantly, my thanks go to our staff team for their commitment to improve outcomes for all victims of abuse. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can make meaningful progress. 

Let us close this year’s campaign with renewed resolve and hope for a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can live free from violence and fear — a world where human rights are truly universal.”

  
Cherryl Henry-Leach, CEO of Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse.