24 Nov One Billion Rising 2026 Theme Announced: RISE for Our Bodies, Our Earth, Our Future
One Billion Rising Theme for 2026 is Announced
Today (25 Nov) on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the first day of 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM, we announce the 2026 theme as an invitation to survivors, artists and activists everywhere to RISE in 2026. The 2026 theme RISE FOR OUR BODIES, OUR FUTURE, OUR EARTH was inspired by feedback from global coordinators and rising activists worldwide and drafted by the One Billion Rising Council at their annual meeting.
One Billion Rising is the largest global campaign to stop violence against women, gender expansive people, and the Earth. Launched on Valentine’s Day in 2012, the movement arose from the shocking statistic that one billion women and girls on the planet will be beaten or raped during their lifetime. Since that time One Billion Rising has become a movement of yearly radical artistic risings around the world to confront all oppressive systems that intersect with gender-based violence, including patriarchy, imperialism, capitalism, colonialism, white supremacy, homophobia, transphobia, war, and violence to our Earth. We rise – in countries across the world – to shine a light on the rampant impunity and injustice that survivors most often face and to celebrate the fact that we have not been defeated by this violence. We rise to show we are determined to create a new kind of consciousness – one where violence will be resisted until it is unthinkable.
Launch Events: Brief Global Overview
Around the world, communities are rising to launch OBR 2026 with bold actions, creative uprisings, and fierce calls for justice. From South Asia to Europe to Africa, activists are igniting this year’s theme through marches, art, dance, dialogue, and collective organizing.
Across Europe, Austria kicks off with dance actions at the Women’s Ministry, Croatia with a massive march against fascism, and Italy with a “Break the Chain” flashmob in Bologna. Germany has released a new OBR anthem (“Ni Una Menos — Women on Fire”) alongside a nationwide dance challenge, while Serbia leads with conversations on feminist resistance, street actions, and an anti-fascist theatre premiere. Launches are also taking place in the UK, France, and other parts of the region.
Throughout South Asia, powerful cultural and political risings are underway: Bangladesh marks South Asian Women’s Day with an outdoor program ahead of 30+ 2026 risings; Bhutan brings together 20 districts to prepare for February; India launched with Queer Pride and a nationwide student-led campaign across 16 states; Pakistan celebrates women film directors; Nepal readies 51 school-based risings across 21 districts; Sri Lanka opens an exhibition of 25 young artists. The Philippines hosts a major benefit fashion show and multiple local events. Hong Kong and Japan rise with parades, partnerships, and calls to end GBV and patriarchal violence.
Across Africa, regional and local groups are mobilizing through education, art, and community-led organizing. Africa’s regional team launches with a virtual call followed by online learning sessions; Botswana activates through national media, community commemorations, and 16-day campaigns; Cameroon rises through a social media wave; the Congo leads with tree planting, school actions, and church-based organizing; Eswatini hosts community circles, street campaigns, and a long-term digital action; Sierra Leone launches dual campaigns on bodily freedom and SGBV; Mali rises for peace with a live debate on women’s rights. Additional launches are happening across the continent. Launch events are also underway in Brazil, Cambodia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Zimbabwe.
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VISIT: onebillionrising.org
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