Violence against women and girls

"Hey, sexy!" Millions of women and girls around the world will have heard that phrase - or something like it - cutting into their daily lives, unwanted and uninvited, as they walk to work or get the bus to school. 

Some might say that it's harmless, just a joke, or perhaps even a compliment. But catcalling is none of those things. It's a violation of women's rights; an explicit demonstration of power, one that is intended to frighten or intimidate the person it's addressed to. It is based in deep-rooted gender inequality, which sees women's bodies as not their own. 

Find out about the striking relationship between gender-based violence and economic policy making – in particular, the links between austerity and violence.

This Father's Day, actor and ActionAid Ambassador James Purefoy writes about toxic masculinity, misogyny, and how men can take a role in ending violence against women and girls.

16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence is an annual international campaign, which activists observe to amplify their calls for change.

ActionAid UK met decision makers at a Parliamentary event this November to show decision-makers how women and girls are leading the way to end violence in their communities. 

As the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence starts, ActionAid Community Campaigner, 20-year-old Sharvari reflects on how she became an activist and what activism really means.