Every year, from 25 November to 10 December, the whole world mobilises for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This international campaign, coordinated by UN Women, opens with the International Day for the Elimination of GBV and closes with Human Rights Day.
For the 2025 edition, under the theme "No violence in the digital world" (#OrangeTheWorld), ACTION MONDE PRODUCTIF (AMP BÉNIN), through its Section for Feminism and the Protection of Women (SFPF), rolled out an innovative, collaborative project rooted in local realities, to raise awareness, equip and mobilise Beninese communities, especially young people.
Through an inclusive approach, field actions and strong digital engagement, AMP BÉNIN carried a clear message: "Gender-based violence is not inevitable. Let's talk about it. Let's respond. Let's act together."
Campaign calendar
- 11 November: launch of the call for applications to recruit 300 volunteers
- 26 November: official launch of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV
- 27 November: start of the nationwide digital campaign, with 300 young people divided into 3 teams
- 6 December: "Youth and digital without violence" webinar and start of field activities
- 10 December: "Orange the World" march
Our commitments
- Awareness-raising: talks, conferences, community dialogues.
- Advocacy: institutional and community mobilisation.
- Protection: information, referral and support for victims.
A multichannel mobilisation at the heart of communities
The project was carried out in several localities in Benin, with the main objective of raising awareness among young people, parents, community leaders and schools. Activities were organised around three strategic pillars.
Pillar 1: community awareness-raising and field actions
- Information sessions in schools and secondary schools
- Educational talks with girls
- Meetings with community leaders and parents
- Distribution of flyers, posters and educational leaflets
Pillar 2: digital mobilisation and content creation
- Creation of graphic visuals (awareness messages, key figures, practical advice)
- Short educational videos (field stories, interviews, prevention clips)
- Launch of mobilising hashtags: #StopVBG #JeDisNon #16joursBenin #AMPBenin
Pillar 3: strengthening reporting and support mechanisms
The materials distributed answered four essential questions:
- How do you recognise a situation of violence?
- How do you report a case?
- Who can you turn to for help?
- What are victims' rights?
Visual materials listing toll-free numbers and the services available in Benin were distributed.
Key figures
- 2,500+ young people reached in the target communes
- 5,000+ young volunteers engaged
- 100+ GBV cases reported and referred to the GUPS and the INF
- 18 community sessions organised
- 450+ parents and guardians reached
- 40,000+ people reached through the digital campaign
Expected impact
- Less misunderstanding of GBV
- Better reporting mechanisms
- Emergence of young ambassadors against violence
A project that strengthens young people's voices
This project enabled young volunteers to be trained and equipped to become ambassadors against GBV in their communities: distributing flyers, speaking out, leading sessions and creating TikTok content.
"I didn't know that verbal harassment was a form of violence. Now I feel ready to say no and to report it." — Young participant, Abomey-Calavi
The campaign articles, day by day
- Day 3 — Fighting online violence: behind every screen, a life to protect
- Day 4 — Internet and GBV in Benin: consent, voice and respect online
- Day 5 — Digital freedom and invisible violence: understand, prevent, protect
- Day 6 — When digital technology becomes a tool of control
- Day 7 — Digital GBV in Benin: the web, a mirror of social violence
- Day 8 — Digital GBV: harassment, intrusion and discrimination at work
- Day 9 — Cyberviolence and pressure on women's lives
- Day 10 — Share the reality of GBV in your communities
- Day 11 — When the Internet amplifies gender inequality
- Day 12 — Reporting GBV in Benin: an act of protection, justice and recovery
- Day 13 — Review of the "Youth & Digital without GBV" webinar
- Day 14 — Cyberviolence against female pupils and students: understand, prevent, act
- Day 15 — Malicious use of AI against women
- Day 16 — Collective responsibility in the fight against digital GBV
Outlook: an ongoing commitment
- Extend the initiative to more communes
- Train more ambassadors
- Produce educational tools in local languages
- Strengthen national and international partnerships
Frequently asked questions
What are the 16 Days of Activism?
The 16 Days of Activism are an annual global campaign, held from 25 November to 10 December, to raise awareness of gender-based violence and promote human rights.
What is the role of the National Women's Institute?
The National Women's Institute (INF) coordinates campaigns and awareness sessions, and provides legal and institutional support to GBV victims.
How can I take part in the fight against GBV?
By taking part in events, reporting cases of violence, sharing campaigns online and supporting care structures.
Where can a GBV case be reported in Benin?
To the National Women's Institute, the services of the Observatory for Women, the Family and Children, and local social promotion centres.
Why does GBV persist?
Because of social and cultural norms, economic dependence, impunity and a lack of awareness of women's rights.
How can victims be supported?
By encouraging them to report violence and offering them psychological, legal and social support for their recovery.
In pictures
Together, we can reduce GBV in Benin
Gender-based violence is a national challenge, but also a collective responsibility. Through this project, AMP BÉNIN shows that with mobilisation, communication and education, it is possible to create a safer environment for everyone.
