As part of the international 16 Days Campaign Global Day of Action, we ask groups to organize public vigils, nonviolent demonstrations of one or more people in a public location, or peaceful marches* on Monday, November 29th – International Women Human Rights Defenders Day. No specific form for the vigil is required, and individual groups should create an action that best fits local campaign initiatives. To unify our actions, we simply ask that you reflect the commitments articulated in the Global Call to Action:
- Challenge militarism and end violence against women
- Strengthen women’s leadership to promote peace
- Realize human rights for all to achieve genuine security
Groups are also encouraged to add two additional demands that reflect local campaign goals. Please submit additional demands to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be shared with other campaign participants on the 16 Days website.
To read more about these key messages and the Global Day of Action, download the following documents:
- Call to Action Against Militarism & Violence Against Women: English, español, français, BHS, Italiano
- Instructions for November 29th Global Day of Action: English, español, français, BHS
- Poster for Global Day of Action: English, español, français
Tips for Planning your Action
- Request up to 10 free white bandanas with the 16 Days logo from CWGL. When you write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , include your mailing address.
- Have everyone wear the same color (e.g. black) as a symbol of protest.
- Plan the vigil for a public location where many people will see you.
- Vigils can be stationary or may include a march.
- Vigils may be silent or may include spoken word, chanting, music, or other forms of expression.
- Make signs and banners with messages against violence against women and militarism.
- Distribute flyers or symbolic materials (e.g. ribbons) that communicate the purpose of the event.
- Publicize the action ahead of time and get media attention (see the sample press advisory on the back of this sheet or the media section of the Suggested Actions document in this kit for more ideas).
- Take pictures and submit them to CWGL – this is a powerful, visible way to document and show our solidarity with one another!
* These suggestions are based on Women in Black’s long tradition of protest and anti-militarist actions. “Women in Black is a world-wide network of women committed to peace with justice and actively opposed to injustice, war, militarism and other forms of violence.”
