Men’s violence against women is everywhere in society and continues all the time. It is possible to change this. There is help for both the victim and the victimiser. On November 25, a number of organizations will collaborate to hold a manifestation in Nordstan in Gothenburg, Sweden’s second biggest city.

Every year between November 25 and December 10, people are encouraged to take a stand and act against violence against women through the ‘Zonta says NO’ campaign.

Zonta International is a leading global organization of people from different professions working to promote women’s rights through supportive efforts and impact work.

During these 16 days, Zonta clubs engage worldwide to visualize gender-based violence and affect more to contribute to a change.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women falls on November 25. It draws attention to the memory of the sisters Mirabal, who was murdered in their struggle against the dictatorship of the Dominican Republic in the 1960s.

The day begins 16 days of activism, extending to December 10th, the International Human Rights Day, the date when the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. 16 days of activism connect these memorial days as a symbol of violence against women is violation of human rights.

It is just over a year since the start of the # MeToo campaign that highlighted the extent of sexual harassment and other forms of violence that women are exposed to every day.

“Breaking the silence is the first step to change cultural norms and the view of masculinity. But we must go on,” says Therese Schröder of Zonta Gothenburg.

Zonta clubs in the Swedish cities of Gothenburg, Mölndal and Kungälv, Suicide Prevention in the West and Men for Gender Equality Gothenburg have merged into a common manifestation against violence and will be at the Nordstad Square (Nordstadstorget) on November 25 at 10.00-17.00.

During the day, there will be collaboration among the UN-Women National Committee Sweden, Locker Room Talk, Terrafem, Swedish Gender Equality Agency, TjejJouren and more. There will also be dance and music.