The Uniting Church is joining people across the world in marking 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.

The global campaign is especially important this year as the lockdowns forced by COVID-19 have increased the vulnerability of women and girls to all forms of violence.

Each day of the 16 days a young Uniting Church woman is sharing a prayer via the Assembly Facebook and Instagram pages. Please share these prayers for a world where all women and girls can feel safe.

On Day 1 Uniting Church President Dr Deidre Palmer invited church members to walk alongside people and to break the silence on gender-based violence.

"In light of Jesus' message of non-violence, liberation and inclusion, the Uniting Church is committed to living and shaping relationships of equality, mutuality, respect and dignity for all people," said Dr Palmer.

We're also inviting UCA people to share a selfie with the hashtag #16Days written on their palms or a piece of paper.

Email your photo to us or post with the hashtags #16Days #UCA

The prayers will be compiled into a resource that can be shared beyond the 16 days but for now you can find them in the posts below. 

The World Council of Churches has also released a number of resources for prayer and reflection