There is #NoExcuse for online abuse: the 2025 global 16 Days campaign

Here in Penzance, when we join in with 16 Days of Activism, we’re part of a global wave of action led by UN Women. The campaign (running from 25 November to 10 December each year) brings attention to violence against women and girls in every corner of the world.

This year, the international theme is UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls. Digital violence covers a lot of ground - things like online harassment, image-based abuse, cyber-stalking, hateful messages, and coercive control that happens through digital means. These harassments are not 'just online': they can have real-world impacts.

UN Women is calling on everyone — governments, tech companies, funders, and communities — to take responsibility. They want stronger laws, safer platforms, and better support for survivors.

Why It’s Important for Women in Penzance

• Awareness: Many of us use the internet every day — understanding what digital violence looks like helps us spot and resist it.

• Safety: The campaign encourages us to think about how to protect ourselves online and to share tools and tips.

• Solidarity: By joining the 16 Days locally, we raise our voice alongside millions around the world calling for change — not just on our streets, but on our screens.

• Advocacy: We can push for better protections, both in law and on the platforms we use, so digital spaces are not hostile or unsafe for women and girls.

  
  

Want to Know More?

• UN Women’s website has a full set of resources on 16 Days — themes, guides, and digital toolkits.

• Read the Online safety 101: What every woman and girl should know article.

• Read AI-powered online abuse: How AI is amplifying violence against women and what can stop it.

• Read FAQs: Digital abuse, trolling, stalking, and other forms of technology-facilitated violence against women and girls.