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16 Days of Activism
16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is an annual international campaign that starts on 25 November and runs until 10 December every year.
The 16 Days campaign is an organising strategy for individuals and groups around the world to call for the elimination of all forms of gender-based violence against women and to:
- raise awareness about gender-based violence against women as a human rights issue at the local, national, regional and international levels;
- strengthen local work around gender-based violence against women;
- provide a forum in which organisers can develop and share new and effective strategies.
Over 6000+ organisations in approximately 187 countries have participated in the 16 Days campaign since 1991, with a reach of 300 million.
You can learn more about the campaign on the 16 Days campaign website.
Calendar of events
Our Gender Based Violence (GBV) strategy
The University and Students’ Union have been working together, alongside external partners, to deliver a joint GBV strategy. Initially launched during December 2016 it was refreshed after extensive consultation with students, staff, our community partners and our GBV Strategy Steering Group to cover the period of 2021-24.
The strategy commits the University and the Student’s Union to “take all steps within their power to prevent, tackle and respond appropriately and supportively to incidents of sexual violence - in all its forms - that may affect our students, staff and those who use our facilities and services”.
This year the University joins key organisations across the region, under the umbrella of the Stirling Gender-Based Violence Partnership, in supporting the White Ribbon Scotland campaign. White Ribbon Scotland is an educational organisation that aims to encourage reflection and discussion that leads to personal and collective action among men to end violence against women. They state that most men do not commit violence against women, but all men have a role in ending it. Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling is leading the University’s commitment to the campaign as a White Ribbon Scotland Ambassador.
During the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, we would like to take the opportunity over the next 16 days to focus on some of our achievements and projects underway.
Some of our current work
Culture, training and awareness raising
- We are committed to tackling gender-based violence (GBV).
- All staff are encouraged to complete the short online course created by UHI which covers multiple aspects of GBV. You can access the course via Staff Development.
- We would urge all Stirling students to complete our online GBV module – Don’t Be a Bystander, Be a friend. Learn more about your role in contributing to a zero-tolerance approach to GBV culture at the University.
- We are proud to have adopted Erase the Grey, a campaign developed by Glasgow Caledonian University, following consultation with the University community - including staff, students and victim-survivors of GBV. The Erase the Grey campaign, which has been adopted by many higher education institutions across Scotland, acts as a call to action; challenges stereotypical attitudes and behaviours; and reiterates an unambiguously zero-tolerance approach towards GBV.
Responding to gender based misconduct
- In partnership with Forth Valley Rape Crisis, we have developed a set of guidelines for staff on responding to GBV. This guidance has been developed to support those not professionally trained to take disclosures or offer expert support in this area.
- First Responder Training sessions available to all staff, building on the information available on our webpages. The training covers things such as the role of a First Responder, confidentiality and support options. Book on to the next date via Staff Development.
- The University will support any member of our community who discloses GBV.
Support
- Students and staff can report an incident of GBV, harassment or abuse, and can find out how to access support here using our Report and Support Tool. We recognise this can be a difficult time and providing the support you need is of utmost importance to us.
- We have a dedicated network of SVMLOs (Sexual Violence and Misconduct Liaison Officers) who support staff and students who have experienced GBV.
- The University will support any member of our community who discloses GBV. We also recognise that sometimes students and staff might want to seek external support. There are many organisations out there that can help. See our external support page for more information.
- All University staff members have access to Well Online – an online wellbeing support tool for all employees. The site includes a number of articles specifically relating to domestic violence and advice and guidance on how to get help. For login details visit the webpage.
- GBV can affect anyone – friends, family, flatmates - so the University has developed some tips should you find yourself in this position. Supporting a survivor of sexual or gender based violence.
- Forth Valley Rape Crisis are available on campus one day a week alongside their usual service. To find out more or access support.
Monitoring and evaluation
- Although we would encourage anyone who has experienced GBV to access support, either via our or , we appreciate some may just want to report anonymously. Anonymous reports help us to better understand the broader picture around GBV amongst our community and may help to enhance our future work in this area.
- During 16 Days of Activism keep an eye out in the Student Bulletin and Staff Round-Up for ways to give your opinion on areas such as our SVMLO support, Report and Support tool and Erase the Grey campaign.