Every year, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) serves as a crucial moment for organizations, governments, and communities worldwide to unite against violence targeting women and girls. In 2024, the campaign, themed “Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” emphasized accountability, collaboration, and resource mobilization as the world prepares for the 30-year review of the Beijing Platform for Action.

The Africa Leadership Foundation (ALF) answered this call to action with unwavering commitment, utilizing its platforms to spark conversations and advocate for policy change regarding the rights of women and girls across the African continent. Through strategic stakeholder engagements, media advocacy, and participation in impactful dialogues, ALF made significant contributions to this global movement.

Media advocacy amplifies the message

ALF effectively used its media platforms to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) and inspire collective action. Three key press statements were issued during the campaign:

• November 25: A press release titled “Accountability for Change: Strengthening Advocacy and Collaboration Against GBV” stressed the need for policy reforms, increased resources, and accountability from governments and civil society. Full statement
• December 6: ALF highlighted positive masculinity with “Men Against Violence: Engaging Male Allies in the Fight Against GBV,” urging men to challenge harmful gender norms and actively ensure safer spaces for women. Statement link
• December 10: The campaign concluded with “Breaking the Cycle of Gender-Based Violence: Empowering Women and Girls,” emphasizing the importance of creating enabling environments through investments in education, social infrastructure, and support systems for survivors.

These statements were widely distributed through ALF’s social media channels and partner networks. As part of its digital advocacy, ALF also produced a video message featuring Dr. Olumide Ajayi, the Executive Director.

In the video message, Dr. Ajayi emphasized that gender-based violence is a systemic issue rooted in inequality and harmful norms, with alarming statistics showing that one in three women globally experience physical or sexual violence. The ALF is taking proactive steps by:

• Convening the first Regional Men’s Consultative Forum to engage men in challenging harmful norms and advocating for gender equity. This forum contributed to the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.
• Prioritizing women’s economic empowerment through programs like the agri-business export readiness acceleration program.
• Being designated as the e-center for the African Women’s Leaders Network’s empowering women in agriculture initiative in Nigeria.
• Addressing systemic barriers like unpaid care and domestic work by partnering with organizations and establishing the African Youth Network of Unpaid Care and Domestic Work Advocates (AUNA).

Dr. Ajayi’s video message served as a call to action, urging governments to strengthen protective laws, men to be active participants and allies, and communities to create safe and supportive spaces. He also emphasized the need for African Union member states to increase investment in social infrastructure.

Strategic engagement drives policy advocacy

ALF’s active participation in high-level dialogues during the 16 Days of Activism underscored its commitment to ending GBV through collective action and policy advocacy. Key highlights included:

• At the ANWBN Roundtable Dialogue (November 28), Dr. Ajayi delivered a keynote address emphasizing the economic impact of GBV on women entrepreneurs and advocating for shared responsibility in unpaid care work, safer workspaces, and financial inclusion.
• During the UN Women Regional Roundtable (December 2), Dr. Ajayi called for the swift adoption and implementation of the AU C-EVAWG, highlighting its four pillars: prevention, protection, prosecution, and state obligation.
• Representing ALF at the UNDP Intergenerational Dialogue (December 5), Dr. Ajayi explored strategies to engage men and boys in advancing gender equality, sharing his personal advocacy journey and the critical role of intergenerational collaboration in combating GBV.
• As a panel moderator during the 5th Forum on Women, Peace, and Security (December 5), Dr. Ajayi facilitated discussions on documenting women’s transformative roles in peacebuilding. The session spotlighted the third edition of “She Stands for Peace,” a book celebrating African women’s leadership in conflict resolution, and emphasized the importance of media in amplifying women’s voices in peace and security.

Moving forward with a collective vision

ALF’s contributions during the 16 Days of Activism reinforced the need for cross-sector collaboration, survivor-centered approaches, and the effective implementation of regional frameworks like the AU C-EVAWG and Maputo Protocol. In 2025, ALF remains committed to:

1. Advocating for the ratification and implementation of the AU C-EVAWG following its adoption by the AU Assembly of Heads of State.
2. Promoting positive masculinity by engaging more men and boys as allies.
3. Continuously engaging youth through the African Youth Network of UCDW Advocates (AYNUA).
4. Expanding partnerships and building coalitions to advance gender equality.

ALF expressed its gratitude to partners including Oxfam in Africa, UN Women, UNDP Africa, the Office of the OSE-WPS, and ANWBN for their collaboration and support throughout the campaign.