For the second year in a row, the University of Galway is collaborating with 15 other third level higher education institutions in the 16 days of activism campaign.
The national campaign at third level institutions includes University of Galway; Atlantic Technological University; Dublin City University; Dundalk Institute of Technology; IADT – Institute of Art, Design and Technology; Mary Immaculate College; Munster Technological University; Maynooth University; South East Technological University, Technological University Dublin; Technological University of the Shannon, University College Cork; University College Dublin; University of Limerick; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; and Trinity College Dublin.
Niamh Kavanagh, Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Manager at University of Galway, said: “The University of Galway is proud to join forces with our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and SVH (Sexual Violence and Harassment) colleagues from 15 other higher-education institutions nationwide – to deliver a meaningful, sector-wide response to this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign. Together we are committed to raising awareness, standing in solidarity with survivors, and driving an inclusive culture of prevention, accountability and respect across the education sector.”
The 16 days of activism campaign began in 1991, when participants at the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute established it as a tribute to the Mirabel sisters, from Dominican Republic, who were murdered in 1960 for speaking out against Rafael Trujillo’s authoritarian rule and later became iconic figures of feminist resistance.
The #16daysofactivism campaign began on November 25th aka, the International Day for the Elimination of violence against Women, and the campaign will end on December 10th, Human Rights Day.
This is a time for learning, advocating and working towards a world where women, girls and gender diverse people can live without the fear of violence.
This campaign directly aligns with SDG 5 which aims to achieve gender equality and the elimination of gender-based violence.
This year the campaign is focusing on one of the fastest growing forms of abuse: ending digital violence against all women and girls.
There is absolutely #noexcuse for gender-based violence. The theme of the campaign this year is also a reminder that ending digital abuse is central to achieving gender equality.
Digital abuse, in the context of gender equality, is a form of violence that uses digital tools and online platforms to harm, harass, and control individuals, predominantly women and girls.
Digital technologies are being used to stalk, harass, and abuse women and girls, making online safety a critical part of the fight against gender-based violence
Digital Abuse can include:
- Image-based abuse and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images (often referred to as revenge porn or leaked nudes).
- Cyberbullying, trolling, and online threats.
- Online harassment, including sexual harassment.
- AI-generated deepfakes, such as sexually explicit images, deepfake pornography, and digitally altered photos, videos, or audio.
- Hate speech and disinformation spread across social media platforms.
- The publishing of private or identifying information (doxxing).
- Online stalking or digital surveillance used to monitor someone’s activities.
- Online grooming and sexual exploitation.
- Catfishing and impersonation.
- Misogynistic online communities, such as the manosphere and incel forums.
If you feel that you have been a victim of digital abuse, you are not alone and support is available, reach out to the Women’s Aid National 24hr Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900
In Ireland, the 16 Days of Activism campaign is marked by organisations across the country, raising awareness of gender-based violence and calling for meaningful social and legislative change.
At the University of Galway, the campaign is recognised through workshops, panel discussions, consent training, and student-led initiatives that aim to create a safer and more inclusive campus.
Information about events taking place on campus to mark the campaign can be found here .
Aside from attending events there are several ways to get involved with the #16daysofactivism campaign
- Wear or display the colour orange: the UN chose orange as the official campaign colour to represent a brighter future free from gender-based violence and to create a clear, recognisable symbol for global awareness efforts.
- Consider supporting local women’s aid organisations by donating or volunteering
- Use your voice: Speak up against gender-based violence and challenge harmful attitudes whenever you see them. Share information, start conversations, or amplify the #NoExcuse message on social media to raise awareness and show that violence has no justification.
- Educate yourself: Take some time to research the epidemic that is gender-based violence, its’ signs as well as resources for survivors
- Advocate: Write to your local politicians to push for stronger policies against gender-based violence or help promote petitions and initiatives that support survivors and prevention programs.
The #16days of activism campaign reminds us that there is #noexcuse for gender-based violence. By speaking out, supporting survivors, and taking action in our communities, we can all help build a safer, more equal future.
