The commitment to combating violence against women and children is part of Mission 21's general commitment to gender equality. We strive for gender justice at all levels. This is achieved when all people can lead a life free from discrimination, regardless of their gender and sexual orientation.
However, gender-based violence is more widespread worldwide than many people think. According to current data, almost one in three women have experienced physical and/or sexualized violence from a partner or another person in their lifetime. The situation is also serious in Switzerland: studies show that around one in five women have experienced gender-based violence.
These forms of violence permeate all social classes and living spaces. The manifestations range from devaluation and harassment to psychological violence and even rape or feminicide (killing a woman because of her gender).
With this in mind, we at Mission 21, together with partner organizations in Africa, Asia and Latin America, are strongly committed to combating sexualized violence against women: As part of this year's 16-day campaign from November 25 to December 10 2025 contribute to strengthening the prevention of violence, making facts more visible and offering targeted support and protection.
This year, the focus of the campaign is on Women and queer people with disabilities - especially those who are dependent on support. Studies show: This group is two to four times more likely to be exposed to violence, abuse of power, control and neglect. We are therefore focusing on a highly vulnerable but often less visible target group.
We asked our employees why the 16 Days campaign is important to them and how they are committed to gender equality. Here are their answers:
Mission 21 projects in the fight against sexualized violence
Mission 21's educational work
Mission 21 offers courses and workshops on the topic of gender equality. In the new 2026 education program, for example, the courses "Equal rights for all*e" and "With courage against hate speech" can be booked. The Women and Gender Unit can be requested for advice or presentations.
Films on sexualized violence
Mission 21's partners in Latin America have produced documentary films with Animales de Monte about their work.
The movie "Strategic litigation against violence against women" provides an insight into the legal work of our partner organization Flora Tristán. This organization uses strategic litigation to protect victims of sexual violence. The short film portrays this work on the basis of a feminicide case and describes the problem of "disappeared" women and girls. A very important film that shows very well why the work for gender justice must be carried out on several levels and that we here in the North could also make a contribution.
In the movie "Women's rights in Peru" is about the work of the partner organization Flora Tristán in Peru, which takes the protest against violence against women to the streets.Â
The movie "The truth will come to light" with our partner organization Fundación Machaqa Amawta focuses on sexualized violence in Bolivia. Â
Pilot projects on food sovereignty and overcoming sexualized violence
In 2025, five partners launched pilot projects that combine prevention of sexualized violence and food sovereignty in integrated approaches. To create a future in which people can live free from violence and hunger, violence and food insecurity must be tackled together.Â
The Fund for Gender Equality allocates financial resources to programmes and partner organizations for pilot projects. This enables them to react quickly to social developments that reinforce gender inequality. The focus topic of the fund is redefined annually according to the needs of the programs and projects.
(The fund for gender equality has the number 840.1005)
Structures
Mission 21 works with the strategy of the Gender mainstreamingAll Mission 21 programs and projects should contribute to strengthening gender equality. Organizationally, this is anchored in the Women and Gender Unit and with the Advisory Board on Gender Justice.
