The Islamic Relief family once more engaged in activities to highlight the global campaign 16 Days of Activism for the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence Against Women. Drawing on Islamic teachings, we spoke out against harmful practices such as early/forced marriage, abuse and female genital mutilation/ cutting. With positive masculinity a key theme in 2022, we helped inspire men and boys to become allies in the fight against gender-based violence.

We held 16 Days of Activism events in 11 countries, including Somalia where more than 80 people took part in public awareness forums highlighting Islamic teachings against genderbased violence. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, our community and school workshops spotlighted domestic violence, modern slavery, human trafficking, and forced labour. In addition, we teamed up with local associations and institutions to organise a peaceful walk called “Not One [Woman] Less”, which drew attention to femicide-the intentional killing of women and girls because they are female. An online petition called for the country to introduce new legal frameworks on the issue.