On 25 November National Unity Government's (NUG’s) Ministry of Women, Youths, and Children's Affairs started a 16-day campaign aimed at eradicating violence against women and girls.

The inaugural event was broadcast live online on the ministry’s social media page.

Political activist Ko Ye Htut said, "Rather than providing more compassionate care for women and children, the reprehensible acts of violence and sexual violence by the military council army are truly appalling and should not be regarded as human behavior."

Gender-based sexual violence does not just occur in conflict situations. It also occurs in normal day-to-day life in forms such as abuse by spouses, stalking, restrictive customary practices and violations of reproductive rights, according to a report by the Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) and the Karen Women's Organization (KWO).

"I have experienced rights violations, such as being denied the autonomy to make decisions about family succession, and I have faced physical abuse. However, I am hesitant to delve into the specific details. Speaking openly about these issues may lead to problems with my husband, as it could be perceived as defamation," said Daw Marzin, a mother of three children.

Since the military coup in February 2021, concerns about the safety of women and girls have escalated, with violence being employed as a weapon of war. The Women's Seminar on the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, held in June 2023, highlighted that these violations are attributed to the junta army and its affiliated border guard troops, militia, police, prison staff, and Pyu Saw Htee militia.

Since the coup in Myanmar, military conflict has led to 223 women being subjected to sexual violence, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).

Many other UN member countries are also carrying out 16-day campaigns for women’s right.