“UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls”

The global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a critical international moment and campaign to call for an end to violence against women and girls. It runs from 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, until 10th December, Human Rights Day. The campaign is a strategic opportunity for individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

The 16 days of activism coincide with our Help Us Rise Campaign (Month of Action) and National Economic Abuse Awareness Campaign, a month dedicated to taking action to raise awareness about domestic Economic Abuse prevention and response.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) encompass a comprehensive framework addressing global challenges across social, economic, and environmental domains. Although Economic Abuse is not explicitly articulated within the SDGs, its intrinsic connection to various goals and targets, particularly those dedicated to gender equality, poverty eradication, and the reduction of inequalities, is noteworthy. Economic Abuse, while often overlooked, permeates through several SDGs, emphasizing the imperative of addressing this issue within the broader context of sustainable development.

Although not explicitly referenced in the SDGs, the goals emphasize the necessity of fostering inclusive and equitable societies where all individuals have the opportunity to flourish.

Domestic Economic Abuse frequently manifests as a reflection of gender inequality, disproportionately impacting women. Effectively addressing Economic Abuse is pivotal for realizing gender equality. Moreover, Economic Abuse can hinder survivors from acquiring or maintaining employment, impeding progress towards achieving decent work and economic growth. Employed as a means of asserting power and control within domestic settings, Economic Abuse is often gendered, with women bearing a disproportionate burden. The manipulation of financial resources curtails women’s autonomy, reinforcing traditional gender roles and exacerbating power imbalances.

What is new? Urgent Call to Action for the UN Commission on the Status of Women to Address Economic Abuse

This year, in collaboration with esteemed global partners, the Canadian Center for Women’s Empowerment has submitted a report to the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

As a united global coalition dedicated to raising awareness and combating Economic Abuse on both national and international fronts, our submission delineates a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the urgent issue of Economic Abuse or Economic Harm at a global scale.

This statement is presented on behalf of the International Coalition Against Economic Abuse during the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Economic Abuse persists as a widespread and deeply rooted challenge that transcends demographic boundaries, encroaching upon the fundamental human rights, dignity, and overall well-being of affected individuals. Read our submission

Ways to get involved during the 16 days

• Take action today and sign our petition calling on the House of Commons to officially declare November 26th National Economic Abuse Awareness Day.
• Amplify the November 26th National Economic Abuse Awareness Day on Social Media. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and LinkedIn to stay in the loop and effortlessly spread our compelling content, fostering awareness about the significance of National Economic Abuse Awareness Day. Discover inspiration to craft your unique November 26th National Economic Abuse Awareness Day and Help Us Rise Campaign messages from our Social Media Toolkit and actively engage in the dialogue using #HelpUsRise2023 #EAAD2023. Enhance your social media conversations and extend public awareness about the extent and impact of Economic Abuse to a broader audience – Download the visual assets for the Help Us Rise Campaign.
• Pledge to Fight Domestic Economic Abuse and other forms of gender-based violence. Sign our pledge and join the movement to support victims of domestic Economic Abuse.
• Mark your calendars for November 26 and spread the word on your social media platforms! CCFWE is on a mission to declare it as Economic Abuse Awareness Day. Economic Abuse affects countless lives. Join us in the fight for survivors’ rights and support this proclamation.
• Prepare a podcasts on Economic Abuse
• Host a webinar and virtual panel discussion on Economic Abuse
• Develop artwork and online art exhibitions on Economic Abuse
• Deliver an online training session on Economic Abuse
• On December 10, Human Rights Day read the full text or simplified version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or consult the illustrated booklet of the Declaration.

Learn more about the past year’s global effort during 16 days of activism

• 16 days 16 stories on Economic Abuse – 2021: To Mark IEAAD and 16 days. Find all 16 Survivor Stories around the world.
• Read about our global report International alliance calls for greater focus to end Economic Abuse among six countries – 2022: To mark IEAAD, the coalition released “Making a Difference: International Responses to Economic Abuse.” The report provides insights into developments across six countries since the beginning of 2021 to support change-makers and leaders in their efforts to tackle Economic Abuse. Read the report here

Other Useful Resources for You During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

• Economic Abuse Power and Control
• What is Economic Abuse?
• Our six-step checklist before you leave an abusive relationship 
• What should you do if you are being financially abused?
• Learn more about Coerced Debt 
• Find help across Canada
• The State of Economic Abuse in Canada report
• National Policy Score Map report
• Financial Literacy program
• Read about the Economic Abuse Summit