U.N. Launches in Lebanon the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women

The United Nations launched Wednesday in Lebanon the 16 Days of Activism, part of a global campaign aimed at promoting action to end violence against women and girls and to empower them.

During visits to a women's center in the Palestinian refugee camp of Bourj al-Barajneh and later to a center in Choueifat, Sigrid Kaag, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, emphasized the importance of the empowerment of women and girls through education, as one of “the pathways to ensure greater protection from violence.”

Protection from violence needs to be accompanied by accountability, Kaag stressed.

"No one can stand by idly, and the U.N. is committed to support both the Government of Lebanon and civil society as they promote a more protective environment for women and girls," said the Special Coordinator on behalf of the U.N. family in Lebanon.

The 16 Days of Activism begin on November 25, which marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women until December 10, Human Rights Day.

This year, prevention is the key theme of the U.N. Secretary General’s 16 day call for action.

In Lebanon, the 16 days will focus on the theme of Protection and Empowerment of Women and girls: a Collective Accountability.

Activities to promote the protection and empowerment of women are planned during that period by the U.N., women’s centers and civil society groups.

The symbol of the campaign is the purple ribbon.