16-Days of Activism was an international campaign running from 25 November to 10 December, dedicated to raising awareness and combating gender-based violence.
In 2024, Manchester Met hosted a series of events featuring poets, activists, and academics to explore how poetry and the arts can respond to gender inequality and bring about social change
Throughout the 16 days, the university ran readings, panel discussions and writing workshops, including events with Everyday Sexism founder Laura Bates, author and psychoanalyst Katherine Angel, and poet and playwright Joelle Taylor.
Festival Director, Dr Kim Moore, said, “We have a stunning programme of events featuring writers who believe in the power of poetry and language to make transformational social change.”
From powerful spoken-word performances to in-depth conversations, the festival amplified voices fighting against gender-based violence and highlighted the critical role of creativity in activism.
With hopes that the campaign will encourage “an ongoing conversation in society that recognises gender-based violence as a national emergency.”