16 Days of Activism launches across Forth Valley
Residents across Forth Valley are being encouraged to take part in this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign to tackle gender-based violence.
The campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December 2025 and brings together communities across Forth Valley, including individuals, schools, faith groups, survivors and organisations to raise awareness of the harm caused by gender-based violence.
The campaign works to promote safety, human rights and respect across communities, and began with a launch event and march at Forth Valley College in Falkirk on Monday 25 November.
What is gender-based violence?
People of all ages, backgrounds and genders can be affected by gender based violence in different ways. This can include sexual violence, domestic abuse, stalking, harassment, coercive control, online abuse, forced marriage and “honour-based” abuse.
Events programme
A programme of free events will take place across Forth Valley, organised by local partners and communities in Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire.
Highlights include a family fun day at St Francis Xavier’s Church Hall in Falkirk on 28 November, a flashmob dance event at The Kelpies on 30 November, a wellbeing day on 7 November at 100 Manor Street in Falkirk, and a Human Rights Day gathering at The Kelpies on 10 December.
Arts and storytelling will also play a key role, with a 16 Days arts exhibition, storytelling sessions for children, and a new storytelling session by author Myra Ross online and at Falkirk Library. Falkirk Football Club’s Youth Academy will host workshops for young players exploring respect and equality, with various activities being run in local schools and community groups.
Online sessions will cover topics such as the manosphere, tackling financial abuse, recognising domestic abuse, homicide, and understanding how gender-based violence affects young people and families.
Councillor Stacey Devine, spokesperson for Public Protection said:
These events send a clear message that abuse in any form is never acceptable, and that we are stronger when we stand together to create safer communities.
"The campaign links two key international dates - the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November and Human Rights Day on 10 December - to underline that freedom from violence is a human right, not a privilege.