PHNOM PENH – The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a powerful annual campaign that unites the world in the fight against gender-based violence. From November 25 to December 10, this global movement raises awareness and promotes solidarity, marking its 33rd year in 2024.

Oy Mariny, a Project Manager at Women Peace Makers (WPM), believes this global campaign truly reflects collective efforts to end gender-based violence.

“As part of the campaign,” Mariny said, “WPM has been working closely with underrepresented and vulnerable communities, policymakers, and national and international development partners.”

She further explained, “We’ve organized public forums to share the experiences of marginalized communities, created powerful videos for social media, and spread messages that advocate for a world free from violence.”

Mariny said WPM focuses on the intersection of peacebuilding, gender and development. WPM’s vision is to build a society rooted in peace and gender justice, where every individual can achieve their full potential and are free from all forms of violence. 

Women’s Affairs Minister Ing Kantha Phavi celebrated the progress made in combating violence against women and girls on November 25. She attributed this success to the collaborative efforts of ministries, institutions, and both national and sub-national administrations.

“For instance,” Phavi highlighted, “the Cambodian Demographic and Health Survey 2021-2022 revealed a significant decrease in domestic and intimate partner violence, dropping from 29 percent in 2014 to 21 percent in 2022.”

While acknowledging these achievements, Phavi also expressed concern over emerging forms of violence facilitated by technology. She urged relevant partners to strengthen their efforts and implement comprehensive measures to address all forms of violence against women and girls.

Lim Borin, a coordinator for the sexual orientation and gender identity project at the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights (CCHR) said the campaign also aims to raise awareness about the rights of women, girls and LGBTQ+ individuals while addressing the harmful impacts of gender-based violence. 

“Over the past two weeks, I have seen active collaboration from ministries, civil society organizations, provincial administrations, public sectors and other individuals in supporting this campaign,” Borin said. 

When discussing the evolving roles of women in society, Borin noted a significant increase in female representation within civil society organizations.

“More women are now leading organizations that champion women’s rights, with some even holding top positions like chief executive officers,” he observed.

In November, GBV Safe App was launched to give victims of gender-based violence easy access to essential information, support and care.