16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

Observed on November 25, the INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN marks the beginning of the UN-led 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (November 25–December 10).

• Established by the UN General Assembly in 2000, the day aims to intensify global action to eliminate violence against women.
• The 2025 global theme focuses on combating technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including online harassment, cyberstalking, deepfakes, doxxing, and misogynistic attacks.

Digital Violence: A Growing Threat

• Rise of technology-enabled abuse poses new challenges to women’s safety.
• Online platforms are increasingly used to intimidate, silence, or harm women and girls.
• Deepfakes, impersonation, and organised targeting reflect expanding digital vulnerabilities.

India’s Policy Response

• The Government of India has adopted a multi-dimensional approach to address violence against women.
• Focus on strong legal frameworks, institutional mechanisms, dedicated 24/7 helplines, and technology-based monitoring systems.
• Intensified efforts to combat digital forms of gender violence through cyber cells and awareness campaigns.

Mission Shakti: Core Initiative

Led by: Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD)
Aim: Advance women’s safety, security, and empowerment in a mission-mode approach.

Mission Shakti Components

1️⃣ Sambal – Safety & Security

• Strengthens institutional mechanisms for women’s protection.
• Includes schemes like One Stop Centres, Women Helpline (181), and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (selected components).
• Focus on support for victims, emergency response, and legal assistance.

2️⃣ Samarthya – Empowerment of Women

• Enhances women’s economic and social empowerment across the life cycle.
• Integrates programmes like Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Gender Budgeting, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Strengthens community participation and local-level institutional support.

Source: PIB