The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and end on 10th December, Human Rights Day. It began in 1991 by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute and continues to be coordinated each year by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership. The purpose of the event is to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

Where can I read more? To read about the event, you can visit the UN Women webpage here.

Links to activities and resources:

NB - Please note that the content of the following resources may be triggering for some students, and consideration should be given to the practicalities of delivery. Teachers should be aware of any time constraints and ensure that there is time to manage any potential outcomes/responses, as well as options for students to take time away from the lesson if needed. The teachers' notes documents should be read thoroughly before using these resources.

Plan UK created a resource, as part of their #LearnWithoutFear campaign, which supports pupils in learning about some of the types of gender-based violence young people – particularly girls - can face in school today in the UK. The pack includes two PowerPoint presentations, one for a school assembly and one for a class lesson, a detailed lesson plan, teacher notes and curriculum links. The resources are suitable for young people aged between 11 – 16 years old. You can download the resource from the Mentally Healthy Schools website here.

Bold Voices have created a set of resources to support teaching and learning about gender based violence, including posters, conversation starters and lesson plans. The resources are suitable for secondary age pupils. You can access the resources on the website here.

Andrew Moffat is the Co-founder & CEO of the ‘No Outsiders’ charity, whose vision is to create an ‘inclusive education, promoting community cohesion to prepare young people and adults for life as global citizens’. You can visit the ‘No Outsiders’ website to access a range of resources here, including display ideas, assemblies for KS1 and KS2, lesson plans and more, which promote the teaching of equality in primary schools.

‘Let Toys Be Toys’ is a campaign asking the toy and publishing industries to stop limiting children’s interests by promoting some toys and books as only suitable for girls, and others only for boys. To access resources which support teaching and learning around gender stereotypes, you can visit the website here. The resources include support and advice for parents and EYFS practitioners as well as lesson plans and practical tips for teachers in years 1 to 9.