16 Days of Action in Aberdeen
Every year, the 16 Days of Action campaign brings partners together to call for an end to violence against women and girls and the inequality that drives it. Running from 25th November to 10th December, it’s a time to reflect on progress, recognise what still needs to change and renew our shared commitment to equality and safety for women and girls.
In Aberdeen, our Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership is proud to stand alongside local organisations, community groups and national partners under this year’s theme: “All Together to Prevent and End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Get Involved
A range of events and activities will be taking place across the city, and everyone is invited to get involved and show support for ending violence against women and girls.
Light Up Aberdeen Orange – Throughout the 16 Days
Join local businesses and community spaces in lighting up or decorating in orange, the campaign colour symbolising hope and solidarity with survivors. By taking part, you’ll help turn the city orange in support of the global campaign. Contact info@grampianwa.com for more information/promotional material.
Reclaim the Night March – Tuesday 25th November
Come together to take a visible stand against sexual violence and harassment. The march is organised in partnership with local services and community groups, offering an opportunity to walk in solidarity and raise awareness across Aberdeen city centre. Further information here.
Safe and Together Overview Session – Tuesday 2nd December
This full-day learning session is open to practitioners working with families. It focuses on keeping children safe and together with the non-abusive parent while holding perpetrators accountable, supporting our ongoing commitment to embedding Safe and Together principles across local services. Register here.
Launch of Aberdeen’s Commercial Sexual Exploitation Position Paper – Tuesday 9th December
Join us as we launch a new position paper developed by the VAWG Partnership, strengthening our collective commitment to recognising and tackling commercial sexual exploitation as a form of gender-based violence. The event will feature input from Laura Nacyte, Development and Engagement Worker at the Women’s Support Project, speaking on “The Dynamics of Sex Buying: Exploring Men’s Attitudes and Behaviours.” Register here.
Digital Violence Against Women and Girls: Impacts on Children and Young People – Tuesday 9th December
Join CyberSafe Scotland and Stronger Families to explore how digital violence affects children and young people in Aberdeen. The session will introduce CyberSafe Scotland’s new “What to Do If” guides, developed as part of the Respected and Safe project, and discuss how we can work “All Together” to strengthen support for keeping children and young people safe online. Register here.
National Events
Alongside local activity, the Improvement Service is hosting a series of free online sessions throughout the campaign. Topics include understanding pet abuse, digital violence against young women and girls, economic abuse, substance use and migration, offering opportunities to learn, share and connect with work happening across Scotland. You can find the full programme here.
Continuing the Conversation
The 16 Days campaign is just one moment in a much wider, year-round effort across Aberdeen. Real change happens when we all take part, by learning, listening, speaking out, and supporting those working to make Aberdeen a safer, more equal place for women and girls.