The annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and concludes on 10 December, Human Rights Day. Originating in 1991 at the Women’s Global Leadership Institute, this international campaign mobilizes individuals and groups worldwide to advocate for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

In tandem with this initiative, the UN Secretary-General introduced the UNITE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign in 2008, aligning with the 16 Days of Activism. Each year, the UNITE Campaign adopts a specific theme, with the current focus on "UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls." The campaign urges citizens to share their actions towards creating a violence-free world and encourages governments to disclose their investments in gender-based violence prevention. The #NoExcuse campaign amplifies this call for urgent investments to prevent violence against women and girls, inviting global participation.

To reinforce the UN campaign, UN Women launched Say NO–UNITE to End Violence against Women in 2009, garnering over 5 million signatures globally during its initial phase. The platform facilitates various actions, showcasing efforts by civil society, activists, governments, and the UN system. The COMMIT initiative emerged in 2012, urging governments to make concrete national commitments to end violence against women and girls. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the UN Secretary-General to advocate for violence prevention in national pandemic response plans, emphasizing commitments and actions through the "Political engagement strategy." Say NO–UNiTE has evolved into a social mobilization network, continuing to highlight advocacy, news, and actions against violence on women and girls worldwide. UN Women shares bimonthly action circulars to stay informed, inviting individuals to join the global UNITE network and contribute to building a future free from violence against women and girls.