Dear God, creator of the heavens and the earth, we pray for all who have gathered globally to observe the 16 Days of Activism. Help us to see one another through eyes enlightened by understanding and compassion. Release us from prejudice so that we can receive the stories of our sisters and brothers with respect and attention. Open our ears to the cries of a suffering world and the healing melodies of peace. Empower us to be instruments in bringing about your justice, peace and equality everywhere. Amen
Fact Sheet from 16 Days of Activism Toolkit
● Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.
● The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. It is a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected...
The UN Fourth World Conference took place in Beijing in 1995. This year (2025) marks 30 years since the Beijing Conference on Women’s Rights and the popularization of the phrase “Women’s Rights are Human Rights.” (First Lady Hillary Clinton used these words in her speech to this conference.)
The Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action is a key global-policy document that sets strategic objectives and actions for the advancement of women and the achievement of gender equality...
During the conference, the women’s consultation included a daily noonday prayer — an important pause amid long days of debate about ecumenical women’s priorities for gender equality. Twenty- six years after the conference, women around the world continue to use this communal prayer, adapted to their circumstances. The prayer above is an adaptation of that prayer. We invite you to coordinate a noonday prayer with members of your faith community.