Hundreds of cyclists ride in Bangkok to launch the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence
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[Press release]
The Asia-Pacific region officially launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with an inclusive cycling event in the heart of Bangkok.
The event, titled A Safe Journey with Her, began at the Embassy of the Netherlands, traveled through the United Nations building in Ratchadamnoen, and concluded at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Town Square. Organized for the third consecutive year, the cycling tour symbolized the collective journey toward ending violence against women and girls, an issue that continues to affect millions globally.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign, running annually from November 25 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day), adopted this year’s theme: “Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women.” The theme calls for increased accountability, stronger national strategies, and enhanced support for women’s rights organizations ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
The event was a collaborative effort involving the embassies of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), UN Women, and UNFPA, with support from Café Velodome and the Bangkok Urban Cycling Alliance.
Speaking on behalf of the Benelux embassies, H.E. Remco van Wijngaarden, Dutch Ambassador in Bangkok, expressed the diplomatic community’s commitment to gender equality: “Our role as a diplomatic community and as citizens of the world is to advocate for stronger laws, for services that support survivors, and for policies that hold perpetrators accountable. Today, we show our solidarity not only through our words but through our actions. We reaffirm our commitment to ending violence against women and girls and to building societies where every individual can live free from fear.”
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt emphasized the event’s significance: “This event was perfectly situated in the heart of Bangkok, a central hub of activity, and highlighted the collaboration of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in creating greater awareness. The event is more than just a campaign to empower and increase understanding about gender-based violence; it was also an opportunity to celebrate everyone’s collective efforts and enjoy this moment together, all while working to build a society free from violence against women and children, and to make Bangkok a safer and more livable place for everyone.”
Mr. Anukul Peedkaew, Permanent Secretary of MSDHS, reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to gender equality: “The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security remains unwavering in its commitment to advancing gender equality and ending all forms of violence against women, children, and families. We have strengthened laws and policies to protect rights and worked to transform societal attitudes toward a more inclusive vision of gender equality. By raising awareness among people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds, we ensure equal access to rights and liberties, with a focus on respecting human dignity and bodily autonomy. Let us stand united in the principle to ‘not act, not ignore, and not accept’ all forms of violence in our society—because a safe and equitable future starts with us.”
Speaking at the opening on behalf of the UN, Michaela Friberg-Storey, the UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand, said: “Across the UN in Thailand, we stand united in protecting and empowering women, girls, and everyone impacted by gender-based violence. Together, we can create a future free from violence, but prevention demands action from both institutions and individuals.”
Christine Arab, UN Women Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific and Country Representative for Thailand, reflected on the importance of the campaign: “As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the 16 Days of Activism reminds us that violence against women and girls is not inevitable—it is preventable. The cycling event in Bangkok symbolized the collective journey we must take as governments, communities, and individuals to ensure that every woman and girl can live a life free from fear and violence. Together, we must accelerate our efforts, strengthen partnerships, and make the promise of Beijing a reality for all.”
Pio Smith, UNFPA’s Regional Director for Asia-Pacific, emphasized the challenges posed by the digital age: “With rapid digital advancements in the region, online spaces have also become unsafe for women and girls. The internet offers unprecedented opportunities for connection, education, and economic participation. Yet, it also brings with it a darker side: technology-facilitated gender-based violence. No woman or girl should face any form of violence – online or offline – under any circumstance. Her safety is not negotiable, and her dignity is not a debate. We must speak louder, stand up, and continue to stand with her to build a safe, inclusive, and equitable world.”
The event concluded with an open-air screening of Children of the Mist, a poignant film addressing gender-based violence, at Lan Khon Mueang. The screening, introduced by the film’s producer, was followed by refreshments and an informal platform for dialogue on current priorities to address violence against women. Around 500 participants, including 250 cyclists, joined the day’s activities.
As the world commemorated the 16 Days of Activism, numerous events took place across Asia, the Pacific, and globally to raise awareness and mobilize action. The cycling event in Bangkok was one of many activities amplifying the global message that violence against women is preventable and must be eradicated.
See pictures from the event here:
