Wescot-Williams Joins Global Call as the World Launches 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

GREAT BAY--As the world begins the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, President of the Parliament of St. Maarten, Sarah Wescot-Williams, is adding her voice to the global call for unity and action. Fresh from her role as Chair of the 3rd International Conference on Gender Equality (ICGE 2025) in Accra, she emphasized that eliminating violence against women and girls requires collective commitment across all countries and sectors.

From November 25 to December 10, governments, civil society organizations, advocacy groups and communities worldwide are collaborating on events and awareness efforts aimed at preventing violence, supporting survivors and encouraging environments where safety and respect are the norm.

This year’s global campaign places emphasis on promoting respect, encouraging early intervention and teaching communities how violence affects individuals and families. Activities taking place around the world include panel discussions, school outreach, workplace sessions, public education campaigns and community events designed to provide tools and knowledge that empower people to recognize and respond to abuse.

Organizers note that gender-based violence impacts people of every age, background and social setting, and that persistent awareness is vital to breaking harmful cycles. The 16-day observance urges individuals everywhere to learn the signs of abuse, understand available support systems and take action when witnessing harmful behavior.

The campaign also highlights the essential work of frontline service providers, including shelters, counselors, social workers, law enforcement and health professionals who support survivors throughout the year. Their efforts underscore the ongoing need for investment in prevention programs, response services and long-term care.

Wescot-Williams echoed this global message during her appearance in Accra, where she reminded delegates that progress toward equality is inseparable from the fight to end violence. She stressed that global promises require sustained action, and noted that gender-based violence remains one of the most urgent challenges facing societies today.

She reminded delegates that thirty years after the Beijing Declaration, the world is still grappling with its unfinished work. “Every barrier to women and girls’ equality anywhere becomes a threat to all of us, everywhere,” she said, underscoring that the elimination of gender-based violence is inseparable from the broader fight for equality, safety and opportunity.

Wescot-Williams welcomed the Beijing+30 Action Agenda, noting its priorities of ending violence, closing the digital divide, advancing economic opportunity, achieving climate justice and expanding women’s participation in decision-making. But she cautioned that global promises cannot remain symbolic. Without sustained financing, gender-responsive data and political will, she warned, “commitments remain rhetorical.”

“Let us be the generations that do more than diagnose inequality—let us be the generations that dismantle it,” she urged. “Equality is the destination. Technology is the vehicle. And our responsibility begins now.”

Communities around the world are encouraged to engage in scheduled activities, share campaign messages and support organizations working to prevent and respond to violence. The call to action is clear: create space for honest conversation, listen without judgment and foster a culture of safety, respect and accountability.

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