Every year, the global 16 Days of Activism campaign raises awareness about violence against women and girls and invites communities everywhere to speak out, listen to survivors and strengthen pathways to safety. In Ukraine, nearly three years into the war, this call carries renewed urgency. Displacement, damaged infrastructure and prolonged stress have made it harder for women to stay safe and reach help when they need it most. Many incidents of violence go unreported and those who do seek assistance often face significant barriers.
In this difficult context, Corus International and our local partners in Kharkiv, Sumy and Chernihiv are using the 16 Days campaign as a moment to break the silence, share knowledge and reinforce support systems for women and girls. Through the PROTECT HER Together project, supported by the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF), Corus works with Ukrainian organizations that provide confidential protection, health and psychosocial services for communities affected by the war, with a focus on preventing violence against women and children and ensuring survivor-centered care. These partners helped shape and lead this year’s activities for 16 Days of Activism.
Conversations that build understanding
To begin the campaign, partners held roundtable discussions in frontline-affected areas. Local officials, civil society groups, service providers, students and volunteers came together to reflect on what women and girls are experiencing and to explore how communities can respond.
Participants discussed current risks, gaps in services and the role of local institutions in ensuring that survivors can access support. The conversations aligned with the goals of PROTECT HER Together to strengthen high-quality care and helped define regional priorities for the months ahead. These gatherings also created a space for those working in protection every day to compare experiences, share what is working and identify where additional training or cooperation is needed.
Participants in a roundtable discussion held in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
Stories that bring experiences into view
Throughout the 16 Days, partners used art and storytelling to deepen understanding across communities. The Her Story exhibition brought together portraits and testimonies of Ukrainian women who survived violence. Displayed in public settings, the exhibition reminded visitors that many of their neighbors have had to seek help and that doing so deserves compassion and care.
The exhibition also highlighted services available in each location, including Women and Girls Safe Spaces supported by Corus. These spaces offer confidential counseling, referrals and group activities that help women and girls begin to rebuild a sense of safety.
The Her Story exhibition on display in Sumy, Ukraine.
A visual call for awareness and action
Another key element of the campaign was the Her Handkerchief: Every Number Has a Name installation. Across community and official spaces, partners displayed handkerchiefs that represented women and girls who reported violence this year.
The imagery was simple but powerful. Every handkerchief reflected a life disrupted and a story changed, a reminder that silence is never an option. Local authorities, volunteers and community groups helped bring the installation into public view, encouraging reflection and conversation about support and prevention.
Participants take part in the Her Handkerchief installation in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
Bringing community voices forward
As part of the 16 Days, Corus joined a national roundtable hosted by the Ombudsman’s Office in Kyiv. Representatives from the Ministry of Social Policy, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Social Service and leading civil society partners took part in the discussion. The event was held in a hybrid format and drew more than 500 online participants, reflecting strong interest and engagement across the country. Participants reviewed insights gathered from regional activities and viewed video materials that brought local realities into focus.
A survivor featured in the Her Story exhibition spoke during the event, underscoring the importance of ensuring that the experiences of women who have lived through violence guide decisions about policy, funding and services.
The national roundtable that centered on violence prevention and survivor-centered care at the Ombudsman’s Office in Kyiv.
Connecting people with support
Throughout the 16 Days, Corus teams and volunteers worked to make information easier to access for those who might need it. They distributed a national handbook created with the Ombudsman’s Office that helps people recognize signs of abuse, assess their level of risk and connect with services available across Ukraine.
Volunteers also shared small symbolic items such as chocolates with messages and simple keychains that carried an important reminder for anyone who received them: you are not alone. These touchpoints helped reinforce the message of the campaign and encouraged those facing violence to reach out for help.
Honoring the 16 Days and looking ahead
As the 16 Days of Activism continues, Corus honors the strength of women and girls across Ukraine and the dedication of partners who support them. This year’s activities show how community leadership, creative public engagement and practical tools can work together to make support more visible and more accessible.
The campaign will soon draw to a close, but the work it highlights remains central every day. Corus and our partners remain committed to expanding access to safety and survivor-centered care in the communities most affected by the war. Even in a time of profound uncertainty, people across Ukraine continue to build spaces of protection, connection and hope.
The Corus-supported Her Story exhibition brought together portraits and testimonies of Ukrainian women who survived violence to raise awareness about violence prevention.