16 Days of Activism | November 25 – December 10
From November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This annual campaign calls on individuals, organizations, and governments to take concrete action to end violence against women, girls and marginalized genders in all its forms.
Women and Gender Equality Canada reminds us that every 48 hours in Canada, a woman or girl is killed in an act of Gender Based Violence. In 2024, 240 women and girls were murdered in Canada, primarily by men, up 54% from pre-COVID rates (source). The independent archive Remembering Our Dead reports that 45 transgender and gender-diverse people were killed during the 2025 TDoR reporting period of 1 Oct, 2024-30 Sep, 2025, although this number is suspected to be much higher than what is reported due to misgendering and dead-naming after death.
In some places, you may see a theme accompanying this campaign. The 2025 theme is “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” and highlights one of the fastest-growing and least regulated forms of abuse. As our lives become increasingly connected online, violence has found new territory, one that is often invisible but deeply harmful.
When Violence Moves Online
Digital violence includes online harassment, stalking, doxxing, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, impersonation, and gendered disinformation. These acts are not confined to the internet; they have devastating real-world consequences that can affect survivors’ safety, careers, and mental health.
For many women, girls, and gender-diverse people, the internet is not a safe space to express themselves or participate freely. The fear of being targeted silences voices, drives people out of public discourse, and perpetuates systemic inequality.
Online abuse mirrors offline gender-based violence—it is rooted in the same structures of power and control. The anonymity and reach of digital platforms often make it easier for perpetrators to harass without accountability, while survivors face the emotional and social costs.
Why It Matters
According to UN Women, one in three women will experience some form of gender-based violence in her lifetime. Increasingly, these experiences occur in digital spaces, through social media, messaging nd dating apps, gaming platforms, and virtual workplaces.
At Good Night Out Vancouver, we know that violence does not begin or end in one space. What happens online influences how people treat each other offline. Harassment, objectification, and coercion in digital environments contribute to the same culture that normalizes violence in real life.
Ending violence requires a cultural shift, and that includes redefining how we engage with one another in digital spaces. Respect, consent, and accountability must extend to every interaction, both on and offline.
How to Take Action
Believe survivors. When someone shares their experience of any form of harassment or abuse, listen with empathy and avoid victim-blaming.
Think before you share. Always ask for consent before reposting someone’s images, messages, or personal information.
Report and intervene. Use reporting tools on social platforms and speak up against harmful behaviour when it is safe to do so.
Challenge normalization. Do not ignore harassment disguised as jokes or “banter.” Confront it directly.
Advocate (and donate!) for change. Support policies, organizations, and educational programs that promote safety and gender equity.
Good Night Out’s Commitment
At Good Night Out Vancouver, our work has always centred on creating safer spaces through education prevention education and community engagement.. The rise of digital violence shows that these values must also apply online.
During these 16 Days of Activism, we are joining UN Women and organizations around the world to raise awareness, share resources, and highlight the urgent need for safety and justice for women, girls, and gender-diverse people on and off-line. Join us on our instagram account, @goodnightout_vancouver
Digital spaces are extensions of our communities. Like our homes, schools, workplaces, and relationships, they should be places of creativity, conversation, and connection, not fear. Ending digital violence is essential to building a future where everyone can participate safely, speak freely, and thrive.