The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is a global campaign that runs from 25^th November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10^th December (Human Rights Day), advocating for the elimination of all forms of Gender-based Violence (GBV) against women around the world.

The National Forum Against GBV, chaired by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Sri Lanka, a collective of over 50 organizations representing Government agencies, UN agencies,

national and international non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, and individual experts and activists selected to highlight the issue of violence against women in elections which is a prevalent issue in Sri Lanka during the 16 days campaign.FPA Sri Lanka is a member of this vital forum.

The advocacy campaign launch titled “Elect her. End Violence” was held at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute on the 24^th of November, with the aim of uniting all Sri Lankan’s through a public pledge that called for action in ending violence against women in elections in order for women to have equal access and opportunities for active political participation.

In Sri Lanka, while women constitute 52 percent of Sri Lanka’s population, female representation in Parliament is only 5.3 percent and violence against women in elections is regarded as a major deterrent to women’s political participation as electoral and political leaders.

To launch the campaign, the Forum convened a press conference. Members of the head table included Ms. Ritsu Nacken, Chair of the Forum Against GBV and Representative of UNFPA; Mrs. Swarna Sumanasekara, Chairperson, National Committee on Women; DIG Priyantha Jayakody, Sri Lanka Police; Mr. Samantha Jayasinghe, Deputy Commissioner and Gender Focal Point, Election Commission, and Mr. Sudharshana Gunawardena, Director General of the Government Information Department and Chairman Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.

A caravan carrying the pledge will travel around the island during the 16 days, obtaining signatures from the public to advocate for a violence-free election environment for women.

Video launched at event: https://youtu.be/Q44Fzm5up0A

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