Each year, from November 25 to December 10, the global community unites for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This year’s theme, “Invest in Prevention: Ending Gender-Based Violence Starts Now,” highlights a truth that frontline organizations have long understood: real change begins long before violence happens.
At Crossroads International, prevention is at the heart of our work. In partnership with local women’s rights organizations across sub-Saharan Africa, we invest in programs that empower girls, train boys as allies, support survivors, and strengthen community institutions to challenge harmful norms before they turn into violence.
Gender-Based Violence Is Preventable: When Communities Are Supported
Gender-based violence (GBV) is not inevitable. With the right investments, communities can create environments where girls grow up safe, confident, and able to pursue their dreams. Across our programs in Ghana, Eswatini, Uganda, and Tanzania, we see daily evidence that prevention works.
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Girls’ empowerment clubs give young women the knowledge, confidence, and leadership tools to stand up for their rights.
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Boys for Change groups help boys and young men understand consent, respect, and equality-shifting norms from within.
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Women’s rights organizations, like WiLDAF (Women in Law and Development Africa), NAFGEM (Network Against Female Genital Mutilation), SONGTABA – Ghana, and others, lead advocacy efforts that protect girls and engage parents, chiefs, teachers, and religious leaders.
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Our economic empowerment programs reduce women’s vulnerability by giving them financial autonomy and decision-making power.
When these elements come together, the impact is transformative.
What We Heard FROM OUR PARTNERS
During recent visits to the countries where we operate, our teams met teachers, girls, and boys whose stories reflect the power of prevention. In one school in Ghana, teacher reported that since empowerment clubs were launched, there have been no early pregnancies, a milestone that speaks to the strength of community-led prevention.
Girls shared how they now understand their rights, feel supported by their peers, and dream of becoming nurses, teachers, and engineers. Boys spoke about learning respect and challenging harmful stereotypes at home.
These are the seeds of lasting change.
Why We Must Invest Now
Violence against women and girls costs countries billions each year in healthcare, lost productivity, and social services. But its human cost is immeasurable.
Investing in prevention is not only effective, it is essential.
Your support helps us:
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Keep girls in school
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Train youth leaders in gender equality
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Strengthen women’s rights organizations
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Shift community norms toward safety and equality
Ending gender-based violence is possible — but only if we commit to prevention now.
Join Us This Year
During the 16 Days of Activism, we invite you to stand with us, amplify the voices of women and girls, and support the frontline organizations leading the way.
Together, we can invest in prevention and build a future free from gender-based violence.
