Reclaim the Net: 16 Days of Activism

16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls

As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Violence Against Women and Girls, we are inviting women and girls to share their experiences of online communities and spaces.

We want to hear about the realities of being a woman or girl online. This may include experiences of harassment, abuse, discrimination, exclusion, unwanted messages, sexist behaviour, pressure to hide your identity, or concerns about your safety. We also welcome experiences that highlight support, allyship, friendship, and positive online communities.

Your experience could have happened recently or years ago and may have taken place in community groups, forums, live chats, voice channels, streaming platforms, gaming communities, or other online spaces.

Responses may be shared anonymously as part of our 16 Days of Activism campaign, which runs from 25th November to 10th December. By sharing real stories and perspectives, we hope to raise awareness of how women and girls are treated online, encourage conversation, and challenge harmful behaviour.

 
The survey is completely anonymous, and you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
 
There are no right or wrong answers.
Every experience matters.
 
By sharing your story, you can help build a clearer picture of what life online is really like for women and girls.

Have you ever had an experience in an online game or gaming community that made you feel uncomfortable, excluded, unsafe, or treated differently? Please tell us about it.

16 Days of Action – Stand4Change

Stand4Change – 16 Days of Action

25 November – 10 December 2025

This November, we’re inviting you to join Stand4Change, our annual campaign as part of the global 16 Days of Action movement. Over the past two years, our Action4Change initiative has grown into a powerful force for change, starting with Time4Change in 2023 to raise awareness, and Pledge4Change in 2024 to inspire commitment.

Now, in 2025, it’s time to take the next step. Stand4Change is about turning words into action. We’re asking individuals, workplaces, schools, and communities to stand together against domestic abuse and sexual violence. Every action counts, and together we can create safer spaces and stronger support for survivors.

 

What’s New This Year

We’ve refreshed our website to make it easier for you to find what you need. You’ll discover dedicated pages for families, professionals, and young people, plus a brand-new resource library created with input from survivors and frontline teams. These resources are practical, easy to use, and designed to help you take meaningful steps toward change.

 

What to Expect

Throughout the 16 days, we’ll share stories, advice, and clear actions you can take. Our content will be tailored for different audiences across our social channels:

  • Facebook: Support and guidance for parents, families, and communities
  • Instagram: Engaging posts and stories for adults and young people
  • LinkedIn: Workplace-focused resources and leadership insights
  • TikTok: Short, informative videos answering real questions about relationships, consent, and abuse

We’re also launching Phase 2 of HappyHealthyLove, our youth-focused campaign that celebrates healthy relationships and tackles myths around consent and boundaries. Expect bite-sized videos, resources for parents, and school packs to spark important conversations.

 

How You Can Get Involved

Follow us on social media, share our posts, and explore our resources. Start conversations in your workplace, school, or community. Every action matters, and together we can make a real difference.

Action4Change: Stand4Change

At First Light, we believe that real change takes action. That’s why, for the third year running, we’re proud to lead Action4Change, our campaign for the 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence.

Each year, we’ve built on the momentum of the last:

  • Year One: Time4Change – We started by raising awareness and calling out the urgent need for change.
  • Year Two: Pledge4Change – We invited individuals, organisations, and communities to commit to action.
  • Year Three: Stand4Change – This year, we’re asking everyone to take a stand. Whether it’s in your workplace, school, community, or online, standing up against gender-based violence is how we move forward together.

Why Action4Change Matters

Gender-based violence affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. The 16 Days of Action is a global movement, and through Action4Change, we’re making sure our local voices are heard and our communities are empowered to act.

We’re sharing survivor stories, expert insights, and practical tools to help individuals and organisations take meaningful steps toward ending abuse. From policy change to personal reflection, every action counts.

How You Can Stand4Change

  • Educate Yourself and Others: Share our resources and campaign materials to raise awareness.
  • Challenge Harmful Norms: Speak out against behaviours and attitudes that perpetuate abuse.
  • Support Survivors: Create safe spaces for disclosure and healing.
  • Take Action: Whether it’s signing a pledge, hosting an event, or starting a conversation, your action matters.

Join Us

Follow the campaign on social media and explore our resources to learn how you can Stand4Change this year.

Together, we can turn awareness into action and action into change.

#Pledge4Change – 16 Days of Action to End Violence Against Women and Girls

Join Us in Making a Difference

We are excited to continue our #Pledge4Change campaign from last year, where we made three vital pledges during the 16 Days of Action. This year, we invite organisations, educational facilities, charities, sports clubs, and more to join us in making their own pledges for the next year.

Our Pledges

Pledge One: Create Change #WeSeeYou

Over the past year, we have

  • Raised awareness about sexual violence and domestic abuse.
  • Spoken out through various news outlets.
  • Launched our #TheyThinkItsAllOver Campaign addressing abuse in and outside of sports.
  • Challenged common misconceptions and highlighted healthy behaviours with our #LoveActually campaign.

Pledge Two: No Voice Left Unheard #WeHearYou

We have

  • Worked with survivors to ensure their lived experiences shape our services.
  • Created more ways for people impacted by abuse to share their stories in safe environments.
  • Actively sought feedback from service users to support, bring awareness, and create change.

Pledge Three: Empower Everyone #WeBelieveYou

We have

  • Delivered professional training for organisations to handle disclosures confidently.
  • Provided insights into domestic abuse and sexual violence and their impacts.
  • Created resource packs and information for communities to have open conversations about abuse.
  • Built new partnerships and collaborations to ensure everyone can get the support they need.

Make Your Pledge

This year, we are asking you to make your own pledge for the next year, either by using one of our examples or creating your own.

Your Pledge4Change

Your pledge for the next year will showcase your dedication to taking action to end violence and abuse.

With your Pledge You Will Be Required To

  • Share our resource page.
  • Distribute the two questionnaires from First Light over the next year to help understand the change and support for those affected by abuse.

In Return

  • During the 16 Days of Action, you will receive your pledge and our Pledge badge to display on your social media or website, showing your active role in creating change.
  • Access a resource page with information and advice.
  • Ask questions and make requests over the next year, which we will support.

Recognition

  • Your pledge and organisation will be featured on our bespoke Pledge4Change webpage.
  • We will share your pledge during the 16 Days of Action and highlight your progress throughout the year.

Campaign Launch

We are launching the campaign on 1st November and asking organisations, educational facilities, charities, sports clubs, etc., to either make their own pledge for the next year (2024-2025) or choose our templated pledge by filling in a form leading up to the 16 Days of Action (25th November).

How to Participate

  1. Create your pledge.
  2. Submit your logo and explain why you have made this pledge.
  3. Receive access to a resource page and assets to support your pledge.
  4. Display a bespoke badge on your website and social media to show your active pledge.

Share Your Pledge

We will share all the pledges made during the 16 Days of Action (25th November – 10th December) and will be providing you with resources and content on how people can make a change.

Ongoing Support

Over the year, we will support anyone who has made a pledge and provide additional resources based on requests to maintain an active library of support.

Surveys

We will ask everyone who makes a pledge to send out two surveys over the next 12 months. These surveys will gather information on people’s access to resources, their understanding of abuse, their knowledge of available actions, and their personal experiences with abuse.

Join us in making a difference. Together, we can create change, ensure no voice is left unheard, and empower everyone. #Pledge4Change

Time4Change: 16 Days of Action to End Violence Against Women and Girls

#Time4Change: 16 Days of Action to End Violence Against Women and Girls

From November 25th to December 10th, we invite you to be part of the 16 Days of Action, a powerful campaign to end violence against women and girls. We are making three vital pledges, under the hashtag #Pledge4Change for the coming year. Violence has no place in our society, and it’s time to bring about lasting change. Join us, pledge your support, and let’s be part of the solution.

 

Pledge One: Create Change #WeSeeYou

Our first pledge focuses on raising awareness. We urge you to speak out against sexual and domestic violence and abuse. It’s time to challenge common misconceptions and myths surrounding these issues.

Let’s speak out on toxic attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate violence. By addressing these issues head-on, we can make a difference.

 

Pledge Two: No Voice Left Unheard #WeHearYou

Our second pledge is all about amplifying the voices of women and girls. We’ll share their stories, inspiring change, and challenging perceptions. By doing this, we can transform attitudes and make sure no voice goes unheard.

 

Pledge Three: Empower Everyone #WeBelieveYou

The third pledge focuses on creating safe spaces. We’re committed to supporting organisations in creating safe environments where victims of violence can disclose their experiences without fear.

We’ll provide resources, conversation starter packs, and support to empower you to talk openly about abuse and violence with your loved ones. We’re also forging new alliances and collaborations to ensure that everyone has access to the support they deserve.

 

Get Involved:

Here are some easy ways for you to get involved and make a difference during the 16 Days of Action:

Spread Awareness: Share our messages on social media. Your voice can reach far and wide, making more people aware of this critical issue.

Engage in Conversations: Talk about the importance of ending violence against women and girls with your friends and family. A simple conversation can have a profound impact.

Donate: Contribute to help us continue our work. Your support goes a long way in making our mission a reality.

Take the Pledge: Commit to supporting our three pledges or create your own and help create real change. By taking a stand, you become a part of the solution.

Stand with us during these 16 Days of Action and beyond. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the right to feel safe. Let’s put an end to violence and make the world a safer, more inclusive place for all.

Together, we can make a difference.

#Pledge4Change #WeSeeYou #WeHearYou #WeBelieveYou

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