As the world unites for the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December 2025), AWRC (Asian Women’s Resource Centre) reflects on 45 years of standing alongside women and girls facing abuse and inequality.

The milestone comes as the movement to end gender-based and digital violence grows more urgent than ever. Under this year’s UN theme – “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls” – AWRC is amplifying its call for safety, justice, and equity for survivors, especially those from Black and minority communities.

The campaign draws global attention to the rise of online harassment, stalking, image-based abuse and hate speech that seek to silence women’s voices. For many survivors, particularly from marginalised backgrounds, digital spaces have become extensions of control and harm. Through its advocacy, training, and outreach, AWRC continues to challenge this digital dimension of abuse, empowering women to reclaim both physical and online safety.

A 45-Year Legacy of Changing Lives
Founded in the 1970s in Harlesden, Brent, AWRC began as a refuge and resource centre run in partnership with Southall Black Sisters. In 1980, AWRC became an autonomous organisation run by Asian women, for Asian women. Four decades later, it has become one of the UK’s leading by-and-for Black and minority women’s organisations, offering life-saving advocacy, access to counselling, housing advice and training through a trauma-informed lens.