16 Days Of Activism Against Gender Based Violence

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

The global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a pivotal international campaign aimed at ending violence against women and girls. This annual initiative runs from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, and serves as a rallying call for individuals and organizations worldwide to take meaningful action.

 

In 2024, the Help Us Rise campaign aligns with the 16 Days of Activism by spotlighting Tech-Facilitated Economic Abuse, a growing and insidious form of abuse. Through digital means, perpetrators exploit technology to control, sabotage, and exploit their victims’ financial independence. This year’s campaign underscores the urgent need to address these tactics and empower survivors through education, awareness, and advocacy.

16 Types of Tech-Facilitated Economic Abuse

 In recognition of the 16 Days of Activism, we highlight 16 examples/ways where technology is used to perpetrate economic abuse, drawing attention to the urgent need for prevention and support measures:
  1. Restricting access to online banking accounts – Abusers prevent victims from managing their finances.
  2. Changing passwords or locking accounts – Gaining control over victims’ digital financial tools.
  3. Unauthorized spending through joint accounts – Draining financial resources without consent.
  4. Monitoring financial transactions – Using banking apps or notifications to track spending.
  5. Intercepting government benefits or wages – Diverting funds meant for the victim.
  6. Sabotaging work opportunities via social media – Posting defamatory content or interfering with professional networking.
  7. Tracking job applications – Using spyware or shared devices to monitor employment searches.
  8. Using location-tracking apps – Controlling physical movement to hinder work attendance.
  9. Hacking into employer systems – Damaging the victim’s reputation or sabotaging their employment.
  10. Impersonating the victim online – Creating fraudulent accounts to damage their credit or apply for loans.
  11. Forcing the victim to use digital payment platforms – Coercing transactions or leaving a digital trail of control.
  12. Stalking through shared apps – Monitoring online purchases or gig-work platforms.
  13. Manipulating cryptocurrency accounts – Exploiting victims’ lack of knowledge about emerging technologies.
  14. Restricting access to educational resources – Preventing skills development or career advancement through controlled devices.
  15. Exploiting subscription services – Forcing victims to take on debt through unused or excessive subscriptions.
  16. Cyberharassment tied to economic demands – Threatening harm unless the victim complies financially.
By understanding these methods, communities can better advocate for victims and push for systemic changes that address tech-facilitated economic abuse.

Educational Tools to Support Awareness

 Empowering individuals with knowledge is at the heart of the Help Us Rise campaign. Explore CCFWE’s resources to educate and support communities in recognizing and addressing economic abuse: Download practical guides like our Social Media Toolkit “Shut Down Technology-Facilitated Economic Abuse” for actionable steps.

Join Us in Advocating for Change

 During this year’s 16 Days of Activism, we call on communities, organizations, and individuals to unite in combating Tech-Facilitated Economic Abuse. By raising awareness and advocating for stronger prevention and support systems, we can make strides toward eliminating this often-overlooked form of abuse. How You Can Take Action:
  • Educate yourself and others using CCFWE’s comprehensive tools and resources.
  • Support Survivors by sharing resources and connecting them with services that promote financial empowerment.
Advocate for systemic change  including policies and programs addressing economic abuse prevention and response

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
  • Learn more about Urgent Call to Action for the UN Commission on the Status of Women to Address Economic Abuse. 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