Hundreds of cyclists ride in Bangkok to launch the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence

Bangkok, Thailand – The Asia-Pacific region officially launches the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) today with an inclusive cycling event in the heart of Bangkok.

The event, titled A Safe Journey with Her, begins at the Embassy of the Netherlands, travelling through the United Nations building in Ratchadamnoen, before concluding at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Town Square. Organized for the third consecutive year, the cycling tour symbolizes the collective journey toward ending violence against women and girls, an issue that continues to affect millions globally.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign runs annually from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. This year’s theme, “Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women,”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.

This event is the result of a collaboration between 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 (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg), H.E. Remco van Wijngaarden, Dutch Ambassador in Bangkok, says, “Our role as a diplomatic community and as citizens of the world is to advocate for strong(er) 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 affirm our commitment to ending violence against women and girls and to building societies where every individual can live free from fear.”

This event is perfectly situated in Bangkok, a central hub of the city, with the collaboration of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, making it an ideal location to create greater awareness. The event is more than just a campaign to empower and increase understanding about gender-based violence; it’s 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.

“The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is 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,” says Mr. Anukul Peedkaew, Permanent Secretary of MSDHS. “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,” he concluded. 

“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,” says Christine Arab, UN Women Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific and Country Representative for Thailand. “Today’s cycling event in Bangkok symbolizes 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, let us accelerate our efforts, strengthen partnerships, and make the promise of Beijing a reality for all,” she adds.

Pio Smith, UNFPA’s Regional Director for Asia-Pacific, highlights that with the 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, we must stand up, and we will continue to stand with her to build a safe, inclusive, and equitable world.” 

Siriluck Chiengwong, Head of Office at UNFPA Thailand, states: “Violence against women and girls is preventable, and we now have strong evidence about what works. Comprehensive, well-funded, whole-of-society approaches, including primary prevention and survivor-centered assistance, are key. To achieve effective prevention and response, robust and up-to-date data is essential to inform evidence-based interventions and allocate resources strategically.”

In addition to the cycling tour, participants enjoy 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, is followed by refreshments and an informal platform for dialogue on current priorities to address violence against women. The event engages around 500 participants, including 250 cyclists.

As the world commemorates the 16 Days of Activism, numerous events take place across Asia, the Pacific, and globally to raise awareness and mobilize action. The cycling event in Bangkok is just one of many activities aimed at amplifying the global message: that violence against women is preventable and must be eradicated.

See photos from the event: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBSSqt

Media contact:

Katie Elles, UNFPA elles [@] unfpa.org
Diego De La Rosa, UN Women Diego.delarosa [@] unwomen.org