The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) joins the international community in commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which began on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) and will end on International Human Rights Day (December 10). This year’s theme is “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Make Education Safe for All!” – drawing attention to the impact of gender-based violence and violent conflict on educational rights.

In collaboration with our partners, USAID is working to eliminate gender-based violence and secure educational rights across the globe. Education is crucial to lifting people out of poverty, improving living standards and quality of life, and reducing health and safety risks. For instance, more than half of the reduction in child mortality since 1970 is linked to the increased educational attainment of reproductive-age women. However, many women and girls around the world still face difficulties in accessing education safely. During these 16 days, let us reflect and act collectively to end gender-based violence.

Learn more

• Check out the 16 days series of featured heroes who address school-related gender-based violence.
• IMPACT Blog: 16 Days: Making Schools Safe Everywhere for Students Anywhere
• Infographic: Addressing Gender-Based Violence [PDF, 1.2MB].
• USAID Story: An Unspeakable Act. A Heroic Survivor.
• Report: Transforming Gender Norms, Roles, and Power Dynamics for Better Health [PDF, 2.5MB]
• Download the PDF version of the Global Health Programs: Report to Congress FY 2014 [PDF, 6MB]. Read the report.
• Read about USAID's plan to save 15 million children and 600,000 women by 2020.
• Join the conversation with USAID for Global Health on Twitter using #16Days

Photo credit: Robert Sauers/USAID Ethiopia