The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Jordan today launched the “#SpeakUpJo: 16 Voices on Sexual Harassment” social media campaign to mark this year’s “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” an annual global campaign that calls for action to end violence against women and girls.

The social media campaign, which will run for 16 days from 25 November to 10 December, is composed of 16 short videos, each featuring an individual in Jordan sharing a personal story, anecdote or message about one of the various forms of sexual harassment in the country. By sharing real stories from real people, the social media campaign aims to break the silence around sexual harassment in Jordan—empowering people to speak about it openly, placing the blame on the perpetrator and letting people know that it can happen to anyone, anywhere.

“We hope that by inspiring people to speak up about sexual harassment, we can chip away at the culture of silence that so often surrounds this issue here in Jordan,” said Laila Baker, UNFPA Jordan Representative. “We want all women and girls and survivors to know that it does not matter what you are wearing or if you are out at night; sexual harassment is never your fault, and it is your right to report it and seek help.”

Other UNFPA-led #SpeakUpJo campaign activities include the #SpeakUpJo Fair, which will be organized by the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Sub-Working Group on 29 November from 10 am to 3 pm at the Ras Al Ain Hangar in Amman. The fair will include booths showcasing the gender-based violence work of 20 participating organizations, theatre and art activities, as well as a bazaar featuring food items and handicrafts made by local women’s organizations. The event will be opened by the United Nations Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator, Anders Pedersen, and the Secretary General of the Jordanian National Commission for Women, Dr. Salma Nims.

To view the social media campaign, please visit: www.facebook.com/UNFPA.Jordan/ and the @UNFPAJordan Twitter account