Wellbeing and welfare

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence

Tuesday 25 November to Wednesday 10 December 2025

York skyline with sun shining over trees and Minster

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is an international campaign that encourages action and awareness against all forms of violence against women and girls.

It runs every year from 25 November (the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day).

Why are we supporting it?

As a University deeply rooted in social justice we stand firmly against gender-based violence. We believe that no-one should experience violence based on their identity and want to raise awareness of the growing issue.

We believe in gender equality and therefore we want to speak out against behaviour and actions that harm individuals. We actively oppose this violence and want others to feel empowered to also stand against it.

This year's global theme is 'End digital violence against all women and girls'. Online spaces should be safe for everyone. At York St John, we believe there are no excuses for digital harm of any kind. Please consider making a social media pledge such as 'I pledge to use my voice to stop online harassment' or 'I commit to using my voice for truth and to stand up against misinformation' or to send a kind comment or message of solidarity. You can use the hashtags #NoExcuse and #16DaysAtYSJ.

Find out more about 16 Days:

16 Days of Activism video

Students from York St John have created this video as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign.

Events

The following activities are happening across the York campus during the 16 Days of activism to support your knowledge or wellbeing. We look forward to seeing you there.

Upcoming events

Long shot of students performing a dance piece

Empowering dance class

Wednesday 26 November
1.00pm to 2.00pm, Quad North 001

Find your confidence and power in this high energy, mood-boosting dance session. An inclusive and safe environment to release stress, find your inner power, truly let go and move! All students and staff are welcome.

This class is free to attend, but pre-booking is required.

Book through Glofox

A female in a yoga pose face down on a yoga mat

Restorative yoga classes

Thursday 27 November and Thursday 4 December
12.00pm to 1.00pm, Quad North 001

Restorative yoga enables a downshift in the nervous system, into deep relaxation, which soothes fatigue and rejuvenates. Yoga mats will be provided and all students and staff are welcome.

Classes are free to attend, but pre-booking is required.

Book through Glofox

Book Showcase Wall

Tuesday 25 November to Wednesday 10 December
Library ground floor

The library are showcasing novels that relate to themes highlighted within the 16 days of activism, come along to have a look or borrow one of your choice.

Prayer Tree

Tuesday 25 November to Wednesday 10 December
Chapel

Tie a teal ribbon on the Chapel’s prayer tree in solidarity with victim and survivors of sexual violence.

Two students having a discussion in pod in Holgate Student Centre

Red Flag, Green Flag

Tuesday 25 November to Wednesday 10 December
All day, Holgate ground floor

A self-led, interactive opportunity for students to reflect on behaviours and attitudes that can be displayed in relationships, and whether these are a healthy sign or a problematic sign.

Crossed white ribbon on black background.

White Ribbon Day

Tuesday 25 November
Students' Union

The Students’ Union will be marking White Ribbon Day to help raise awareness about preventing gender-based violence. Pick up a white ribbon on your way to Archie's or The Lounge to demonstrate your support and help decorate the SU atrium through their interactive installation. The day forms part of Find Your Safe space, the SU's student safety campaign. Find out more at ysjsu.com.

Cordukes building with greenery in front of it

Student Discussion Group: Stress, Calmness and Confidence

Wednesday 26 November
1.00pm to 2.00pm, Cordukes 005

Join us for an informal discussion on Stress, Calmness and Confidence. All students are welcome.

Blue the therapy dog looking up from his bed

Blue - Our therapy dog

Wednesday 26 November, Wednesday 3 December, Wednesday 10 December
2.15pm to 3.15pm, Holgate ground floor

Look out for Blue, the York St John therapy dog, in Holgate and come and say hello. Blue offers a calm environment for students to just be themselves in. He is there to listen, to be stroked or to sit with you quietly - your time, your space.

Close-up of a bee on a lavender plant outside the Lord Mayor's Walk building on campus.

Wild Wednesdays

Every Wednesday
12.00pm to 2.00pm, Students' Union planters

Come along to our community garden session and get involved with making our campus beautiful. All students and staff are welcome.

Mindfulness Wednesdays

Every Wednesday
1.15pm to 1.45pm, Chapel

Take time out of your day to have a moment of calm and reflection.

Pieces from different board games including drafts and ludo.

Board Games Cafe

Every Friday
5.00pm to 7.00pm, Library

The library is a safe space for all students, come along to meet new people and challenge them to a board game. All students are welcome.

Student Discussion Group: Inclusivity, Cultural Comparisons and Tolerance

Wednesday 3 December
1.00pm to 2.00pm, Cordukes 005

Join us for an informal discussion on Inclusivity, Cultural Comparisons and Tolerance. All students are welcome.

Student support

We appreciate that this is a sensitive issue, and we want to make sure that support is available to any students who may be affected by this topic.

If you feel impacted by the events or information displayed around campus during this campaign, you can seek support from the student support services detailed below.

Wellbeing support

Wellbeing drop-ins: Monday to Friday, 1.00pm to 3.00pm. Register at the Student Hub desk in Holgate building to speak with a mental health practitioner if you feel your mental health has been affected.

Self-referral: Complete a wellbeing self-referral form.

Welfare support

Welfare Adviser Appointments: Book an appointment with a Welfare Adviser if you would like to seek advice and guidance relating to incidents of sexual violence or misconduct.

Report and Support

If you would like to report an incident or make a disclosure you can do this through Report and Support.

Sexual Violence Liaison Officers

Our Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) are highly qualified specialist members of staff who offer support to students who have experienced any form of sexual violence or misconduct at any time in their lives. The SVLO will explain the options that are available to you without judgement. The SVLO will not put any pressure on you to take any action that you do not wish to do. Book an appointment with an SVLO for 1 to 1 support.

Chaplaincy

Our Chaplaincy team offer free confidential listening to all members of York St John. We are happy to listen if you need to talk on any subject. If you need further support, we will refer you to the right people. You can talk to us about anything, and we will listen without judgment. Contact us at chaplaincy@yorksj.ac.uk or drop in to the Chapel.

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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence