Each year, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence mobilizes governments, civil society, and communities worldwide to confront violence against women and girls and to demand sustained, systemic change. In 2025, the campaign placed a timely and urgent focus on digital gender-based violence, recognizing that harm in online spaces is real, pervasive, and deeply connected to safety, education, leadership, and participation in public life.
Through its Integrated Aquaculture and Agriculture in Malawi (IAAM) Project and VOICE for Women and Girls Project, CDF Canada was honoured to take part in activities marking the launch and implementation of the 2025 campaign, standing alongside national and local partners in a shared call to action aligned with the 2025 theme — “Unite to End Digital Gender-Based Violence in Malawi” (Pamodzi tithetse nkhanza zodzera m’njira za makono m’Malawi)
16 days of activism
Solidarity March
On November 25, 2025, CDF Canada’s IAAM and VOICE project teams joined the Government of Malawi and key partners in Balaka District for the official launch of the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Held at Khwisa Primary School Ground, the event brought together government officials, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, UN agencies, development partners, and community members in a strong display of national solidarity.
The launch began with a solidarity march led by the Malawi Police Brass Band, joined by the Honourable Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare upon arrival. Throughout the day, speeches and remarks from traditional authorities, district leadership, civil society organizations, UN representatives, and the Ministry of Gender reinforced a shared commitment to ending violence against women and girls.
Community performances and artistic expressions brought local experiences of gender-based violence to the forefront, helping ground national advocacy in lived realities. These moments highlighted the evolving nature of GBV and the need to address harm both offline and online.
As a tangible step toward strengthening local response mechanisms, the Minister handed over five push bikes to gender champions in Balaka, improving their mobility as they work within communities to prevent, identify, and respond to cases of gender-based violence.
Bike Distribution
Students at Wulensi Senior High School
Alongside the national launch in Malawi, CDF Canada’s VOICE for Women and Girls Project supported targeted community engagement as part of the global 16 Days campaign in Nanumba South District, Ghana. In collaboration with district authorities, an awareness program was held at Wulensi Senior High School, bringing together students and key stakeholders, including a Cybersecurity Officer, Gender Desk Officer, Social Welfare Officer, District Education Director, DOVVSU representatives, and the District Chief Executive.
Students were sensitized on digital violence, its various forms, and the safe reporting channels available for support and justice. The conversation was further extended through a radio discussion, ensuring the message reached beyond the school and into the wider community.
Across both Malawi and Ghana, the message of the 2025 campaign was clear: digital violence is real, harmful, and silencing, and preventing it requires collective responsibility. Protecting digital spaces, strengthening reporting systems, challenging harmful behaviours, and amplifying women’s and girls’ voices are essential to building safer homes, schools, and communities.
As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence runs through December 10, CDF Canada remains committed, through IAAM, VOICE, and its broader programming, to supporting initiatives that advance dignity, safety, and inclusion for women and girls not just for 16 days, but every day.
UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls.