Introduction
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that runs from November 25 to December 10, aiming to raise awareness and end violence against women and girls. At Saah Rise, we leveraged this time to run a comprehensive social media campaign, turning digital platforms into spaces of empowerment, education, and engagement.
Creating Knowledge and Awareness
Our dedicated team worked tirelessly to develop “Know Your Rights” content, with a particular focus on digital safety. This aligned with the UN’s call to “UNiTE to End Digital Violence” and educated the public about forms of digital violence, including doxxing, cyberstalking, and non-consensual image sharing.
Engaging Academics and Students
Team members Dur E Najaf, Anoosha Babar, Vikash Kumar, and Shehriyar Ahmed actively engaged with professors and students at institutions like Quaid-i-Azam University, ensuring a bridge between scholarship and action. This engagement validated research on gender-based violence and empowered students to challenge toxic behaviors in real-time.
We also recorded a short message from Ma’am Rabbia Aslam, Assistant Professor of Gender Studies, while Dur E Najaf and Anoosha documented student reflections at QAU, capturing experiences and messages related to the 16 Days of Activism.
Expanding the Lens: Violence as a Social Issue
The campaign emphasized that violence is a societal issue, not just a women’s issue. Team members like Sania Zahra, a medical anthropologist, connected gender-based violence to public health, climate change, and socioeconomic factors, aligning with global mandates to examine the interlinked causes of violence.
Highlighting Volunteer Contributions
Our volunteers played a vital role in spreading awareness:
- Male volunteers like Shahzaib, Muzamil Hussain, Zain ul Abideen, and Shahab Hoti created videos and shared messages in local languages.
- Trans activist Ms. Nayab Ali contributed her insights, adding an intersectional perspective.
- Young volunteers like Mehwish, Sahiba, Misbah, and Soma Javed shared videos, stories, and supported us on social media.
- We are deeply thankful to Meera, a BS Social Work student (5th Semester), for sharing her video.
- Kainat Bashir, also a BS Social Work student, assisted in recording a message from visiting faculty Sir Idrees Burhan, Master Trainer, Consultant, and Researcher.
- All participants, including those who were not officially volunteers, are acknowledged for their courage and engagement, especially Meera, Kainat Bashir, and Asad Kamran.
Activism Beyond a Campaign
At Saah Rise, activism is strategic, continuous, and action-oriented. Through study circles, resources, and community support, we ensure conversations on digital violence persist long after the official 16 Days campaign ends. Our approach transforms awareness into advocacy, making the movement both sustainable and impactful.
Join Us in the Fight
The 16 Days may have concluded, but our mission continues. Let’s reclaim digital spaces, ensure online safety, and make the internet a platform where everyone can rise unafraid and empowered.