The Zonta Club of Colombo II, Sri Lanka, recognizes that the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a critical opportunity to raise awareness, advocate for change and support survivors. While empowering women and girls remains vital, this year’s campaign emphasized the importance of engaging men as allies in dismantling harmful societal norms and addressing gender-based violence.

The campaign highlighted how male silence can perpetuate harmful behaviors and encouraged men to speak out against sexism, misogyny and violence against women and girls. It invited men to stand in solidarity with women and endorse the Say NO to Violence movement, creating a united front for gender equality.

As part of the initiative, 13 influential Sri Lankan men and groups, alongside three women, participated by creating videos advocating for an end to gender-based violence. These videos featured prominent community leaders, athletes, professionals and artists, sharing diverse perspectives and experiences. The content was posted daily on social media throughout the campaign, using the hashtag #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGenderBasedViolence. Club members amplified the message by reposting on their personal accounts, expanding the campaign’s reach.

The campaign encouraged men and women to share pledges or stories of positive actions, creating a viral movement that inspired others to intervene and promote safer, more equitable communities. By fostering dialogue and shared responsibility, the initiative underscored that the fight against gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue but a collective effort to build a world free from fear and violence.