Standing Together to End Gender-Based Violence
The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a global campaign that brings together activists, civil society organizations, and governments to raise awareness and take action to end violence against women and girls in all their intersecting identities. Since its founding by women’s rights advocates in 1991, it has been a powerful rallying point for collective action around the world.
World Renew, Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), and International Justice Mission (IJM) partner together to increase awareness and drive meaningful action. Across local, national, and global contexts, our organizations work alongside communities and governments to both prevent and respond to gender-based violence. Through advocacy and programming at grassroots and policy levels, we help establish systems of protection, accountability, and care—especially for marginalized communities most affected by violence.
Recognizing Complexity and Intersectionality
Gender-based violence is rooted in complex and intersecting factors. Survivors experience GBV differently depending on identities such as gender, age, economic status, race or ethnicity, religion, sexuality, and ability. These realities shape not only how violence is experienced, but also whether survivors can report it safely or access justice and support.
We affirm that freedom from violence is a fundamental human right. The drivers of GBV transcend borders, cultures, and contexts. Around the world, women and girls continue to face exploitation, harmful cultural practices, systemic inequality, and violence in many forms—including in conflict settings and during migration. We stand in solidarity with all who endure these realities, and honour those who have risked or lost their lives advocating for change.
What It Means to Be a “Community that Cares”
A “community that cares” recognizes that gender-based violence is not an individual issue—it is a societal one. Addressing GBV requires a holistic approach that examines root causes such as poverty, displacement, digital harm, substance misuse, and discriminatory policies.
Community care involves a wide range of actors: faith-based and civil society organizations, governments, multilateral institutions, community leaders, media, law enforcement, and policymakers. Each plays a role in creating environments where survivors are protected, supported, and empowered.
This approach moves beyond immediate response. It means building systems that include:
- Accessible and safe ways to report violence
- Culturally responsive and trauma-informed mental health support
- Economic opportunities that reduce vulnerability
- Education on gender equality for all ages
- Access to safe housing, childcare, and food security
- Justice systems that centre survivors’ voices and experiences
When these supports are in place, survivors are less likely to be isolated and more able to access care, protection, and pathways to healing within their communities.
Prevention, Response, and Accountability
Advancing a “community that cares” framework strengthens three essential pillars: prevention, response, and accountability. Together, these ensure that communities support survivors rather than stigmatizing or silencing them.
Community care calls for shared responsibility—where individuals and institutions work together, exchange resources, and support one another. This collective commitment fosters dignity, solidarity, and resilience. It also challenges systems that perpetuate harm and deny access to justice.
Through this approach, we not only respond to violence—we work to prevent it, support survivors, honour those who have been lost, and advocate for stronger systems of accountability worldwide.
How Our Organizations Contribute
World Renew partners with communities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to address the root causes of poverty, injustice, and conflict, while advocating for systemic change at national and global levels.
Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) advocates for public policies that uphold human rights and protect people affected by gender-based violence, particularly those who are displaced or marginalized.
International Justice Mission (IJM) works alongside justice system actors to strengthen accountability, support survivors, and ensure that responses to GBV are effective and trauma-informed.
Take Action
Everyone has a role to play in building communities that care. Here are ways you can make a difference:
- Raise Awareness – Download and use The Community That Cares: Reflection and Advocacy Guide to build awareness and inspire action against GBV.
- Spot and Support – Learn the signs of abuse and how to respond safely and supportively.
- Push for Change – Advocate for policies and systems that protect survivors and prevent violence.
- Back the Work – Support organizations advancing prevention, response, and accountability.
- Lead Responsibly – If you are in a position of influence, ensure survivor-centred policies and practices are in place to prevent GBV and provide non-judgemental support.
Want to learn more or get involved? Connect with our team—we’d love to hear from you and explore how you can make a difference.
By working together, we can build communities that care—where survivors are supported, justice is pursued, and gender-based violence is no longer tolerated.
