Started by activists in 1991, the 16 Days of Activism is an opportunity to demonstrate and revitalise our commitments to gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights everywhere.

During the 16 days, we welcome students to take part in our activities and to learn more about gender-based violence. The theme of the 16 Days in 2025 is Digital Abuse.

We understand that violence against women and girls can be challenging to talk about, and many members of our community at the university will have lived experience of violence. We urge you to engage in the right way for you. Take care of yourself, and if you need support, you can view more about what is available at the university at the Student Support webpage.

Please get in touch at neverok@bath.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Events

Stall: Launching the 16 Days and recognising White Ribbon Day 2025

Each year, White Ribbon Day marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism. This day reminds us not to ignore everyday behaviour like sexist ‘jokes’, catcalling or staring; by taking small, everyday actions, you can help stop behaviour like this which can lead to serious violence . White Ribbon Day recognises everyone as part of the solution, encouraging men and boys to use their voices to speak up for a world in which everyone is safe and respected.

We will be having conversations, hearing your thoughts and views, sharing our new sports #NeverOK stickers, and giving you the chance to win a £10 voucher just by spinning our wheel.

Wednesday 26 November, 12pm–4pm at the Sports Training Village entrance.

Stall: Raise the (green) flag – a celebration of positive sex and relationships

Building and maintaining relationships is one of the most rewarding and sometimes challenging aspects of university life. Join us to explore what healthy, positive relationships look and feel like. Whether these are with family, housemates, friends or sexual partners, let’s discuss the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that help successful relationships thrive.

Help us celebrate healthy relationships through conversation, sharing your ideas and adding to our green flag bunting. Plus, the chance to win prizes!

Wednesday 3 December, 11am–3pm at The Claverton Rooms.
Members of our Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Response Service will be joined by local organisation Safelink.

Wednesday 10 December, 11am–3pm at The SU.
Members of our Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Response Service will be joined by local organisation Voices.

In-person session: We are all in this together

Bring a friend along for a dice rolling adventure!

Four students on a birthday outing bump into old friends and old memories. Can their relationship last the night? See how the story plays out, and if the students have what it takes to stand up for one another.

Use everything you know about positive relationships in this dice-based roleplaying story (with free pizza and snacks)!

Tuesday 9 December, 6pm-8.30pm (doors close at 6.30pm), Chancellors' Building room 4.1.
Sign up here

Blog series

As part of the 16 days of activism, which calls for action to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls, we are introducing a series of blogs written by specialist support staff from the University’s Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Response Service (SVDARS). Each blog provides a subject overview, examples of its use and its harmful impact, and information about support if you have experienced this type of harm.

Our blog topics are:

The Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Response Service

If you have experienced sexual violence, sexual harassment, or domestic abuse, recently or in the past, please remember you are not alone, and support is available. Everyone deserves to live free from abuse.

The Student Support team at the University of Bath can help. You can speak to our Student Support Advisers by visiting the Roper Centre, 4 West or by filling in this form. They may refer you to the Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Response Service (SVDARS), who provide specialist support and advice or another Student Support team, depending on your needs. You can also report an incident through the University’s Support and Report tool.

If you are a staff member, you can get further support by contacting your HR Advisor. Health Assured also provides staff members with free, confidential counselling and wellbeing advice.