On the occasion of the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), United Nations Development Coordinator in Kosovo, Andrew Russell, officially opened the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, which is marked annually worldwide with the aim of raising awareness and promoting actions to prevent violence against women.

UN Women, on behalf of the Group for Security and Gender Equality, has designed an online campaign aimed at the general public and in particular young people and users of social networks, to increase awareness about the issue of gender-based violence and to inform the public about different ongoing acts which they can join in order to eliminate the main source of insecurity for women and girls.

Mr. Andrew Russell said: "Yesterday, I became the  194.294th man, who was committed to the solidarity movement for gender equality #HeForShe. Previously, gender equality was a movement by women for women. It is not anymore. Gender inequality has an impact on all of us and it is time for men to take a stand. If you can join half of humanity to support the other half of humanity, it will benefit everyone. 16 days of activism represents a unique opportunity for men in Kosovo to show their support for gender equality and the elimination of all forms of violence against women ".

"Violence against women is a global problem. Of all women murdered in the world, in 2012, half were killed by family members or intimate partners, so if you are part of the campaign 16 days of activism, do also contribute to global efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls. In Kosovo, we should stand up against violence; we need to stop it, all together, men and women, girls and boys. In addition, the decision makers in Kosovo should support the implementation of laws through clear strategies that address the root causes of gender inequality and violence against women, which will ensure women's empowerment and gender equality, " said Flora Macula, head of the office of UN Women in Kosovo. She added: “My message to men and boys is: Report and Stop violence against women when you see it, and never practice it yourself.”

The overall focus of the campaign in 2014 in Kosovo is the role and involvement of young people, and especially young boys, in the fight against gender-based violence. As such, online campaigns rely on materials produced by local youth, in Albanian, Serbian and English. In order to encourage more young people, a three-day workshop was organized with youth, on gender-based violence and the use of gender-sensitive language. After the training, the youngsters handed-over 12 papers, which were the main content of the campaign. These papers are also part of a race, which was launched during the event. After the online voting, which is open until December 8, two winners will be selected and they will be rewarded with a tablet and a smartphone. Prizes will be awarded as encouragement of the important role that youngsters play in promoting women's and human rights and the fight against gender-based violence.

Online campaign (www.16days-noviolence-ks.com, www.16dite-jodhunes-ks.com, and www.16dana-nenasiljiu-ks.com), promoted through social media (via Facebook: 16 Days - No Violence and on Twitter: @ 16days_ks), is one of the actions that Kosovo has undertaken as part of the global campaign Say NO-UNiTE, a social platform to combat gender-based violence.

As part of the campaign, and in cooperation with Democracy for Development, an informal debate will be held on 2 December in Dit 'e Nat', with the theme "#HeForShe: What can men benefit from gender equality?" There will be a discussion on twitter with public figures, who will focus on the involvement of men in the elimination of gender-based violence and ensuring gender equality. Moreover, during the 16 days of activism, many civil society organizations, Kosovo institutions and international organizations will organize various events.

Website of the campaign (www.16dite-jodhunes-ks.com ) will be active in providing important information, statistics and youth projects on the topic of gender-based violence.