16 Days of Action … maybe?

It is that time of the year again—the time when I want to orange the whole universe and not just the world. It’s the time when frustration sets in as I witness efforts failing to yield the results I desire—not later, not after months or years, but NOW!

Campaigns have long been considered one of the most effective, resource-efficient, and impactful ways to make things viral and raise awareness. The very essence of a campaign is to be loud and bold, making it nearly impossible for the public to ignore. A well-crafted campaign can convey personalized stories, spark responses, promote action, and ultimately lead to tangible impact.

While I’m no professional in marketing or setting trends, I do believe I have a knack for identifying effective campaigns and evaluating their success. However, the true effectiveness of a campaign often lies beyond our control. It largely depends on the public’s readiness to engage, believe in the message, and adopt it as their own. This process involves recognizing their own voices and potential in driving the cause forward.

I feel like we are all the same when it comes to sustaining interest in campaigns. Even when the issues are close to our hearts or directly affect us, maintaining engagement can be a challenge. We might start with passion, only to lose momentum due to an inability to commit, fear of exhausting our audience, or demotivation from a lack of commitment from others. Whatever the reason, sustaining interest is often a difficult task.

The 16 Days of activism may be one of the most impactful ways to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV)—an issue that every woman (and I dare say everyone) faces; an issue that strikes close to home; an issue that continues to claim lives; an issue we simply cannot seem to eradicate. Many have initiated campaigns like #MeToo, #JusticeFor, or #SayNo in the past, and many continue to do so. I have the utmost appreciation for those who persevere—those who never tire of raising their voices despite the lack of engagement, those who continue to fight for justice using the most effective and resource-efficient methods available.

When it comes to the 16 Days of activism, I am inspired by the creative ways people find to raise awareness each year. I recall the impactful “What Was She Wearing?” exhibition and a recent exhibition titled “Reclaiming the Streets,” where visitors could contribute their own messages to a beautifully curated art wall or even the huge stickers being posted on different agencies’ cars that you do not miss when they go on about their business on the streets of Addis. These initiatives demonstrate the power of creativity in sustaining awareness and engagement.

Call me a pessimist, but I just can’t seem to shake the underlying feeling that the campaign doesn’t resonate with the public as much as I want it to—or perhaps not in the way I envision. I see people advocating online yet returning home to justify physical abuse; I see individuals visibly engaged in the 16 Days campaigns but disappearing from other platforms where pragmatic action is needed—where voices, petitions, and sustained effort are crucial.

So, I keep asking myself: What is the purpose of the 16 Days of activism? Surely, it cannot simply be about showcasing GBV cases and statistics. It should also be a platform for action. (And yes, I can already hear the counterargument: “When has there ever been action?”—a story for another day.) But I long for the day when these 16 days become an opportunity for everyone to participate in activism—not as part of a trend but as part of a solution.

It can be exhausting to witness endless conversations that call for action, unity, or reuniting, only to see little follow-through. I dream of a time when the 16 Days of Activism are used to celebrate young women who have endured immense hardships and persevered—women who are now uplifting others facing similar struggles. I hope to see men leading conversations and, ideally, taking meaningful actions during these 16 days. I want to see men openly sharing their views and engaging constructively, not just engaging in heated online debates. I want to see men truly embracing the spirit of the 16 Days of activism.

I also hope stakeholders (though I dislike using this word in this context) celebrate the 16 Days of activism by achieving something significant each year—whether it’s passing impactful legislation, bringing justice to someone, or creating lasting change. I hope to see the days going beyond reports and documentation. It would be meaningful if these days were commemorated with something permanent that resonates with everyone and keeps the movement alive.

I admire the ongoing movements around the world. However, I hope for a future where people don’t just treat these 16 days as a trend but fully understand and embrace the concepts behind them. At its core, the 16 Days of activism should drive action and inspire genuine change.