The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed annually on 25 November, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to combat one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide. With an alarming 736 million women—or nearly one in three—experiencing physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their lives, the implications for sustainable development, social justice, and environmental protection are profound. This issue not only hinders women’s rights and equality but also poses significant barriers to achieving the Global Goals, particularly Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
The scope of violence against women
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) manifests in various forms, including intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking. The United Nations defines violence against women as any act of gender-based violence resulting in, or likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm. Such violence severely impacts women's health, educational attainment, and economic opportunities, thereby perpetuating economic inequality.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the consequences of VAWG are not only physical; they also include significant psychological trauma and reproductive health issues. Research indicates that women who experience intimate partner violence are more likely to suffer from mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, these adverse effects are exacerbated in certain vulnerable groups, including young girls, older women, and those identifying as lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or intersex. This underscores the need for targeted interventions that consider the unique challenges faced by these demographics.
The impact on education and employment
Statistics reveal that early educational disadvantages often lead to restricted access to higher education, significantly affecting women’s participation in the labour market. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reports that every additional year of schooling for girls can increase their future income by up to 20%. However, violence against women directly correlates with educational dropouts, as many girls are forced to leave school due to abuse or the fear of violence. This not only hampers their individual growth but also stifles national economic development.
For instance, a study conducted in South Africa found that gender-based violence accounts for significant losses in productivity and economic contributions, amounting to R 1.8 trillion annually, highlighting the urgency for action against such violence to achieve economic equality.
Real-World initiatives
Several organisations and campaigns have emerged to address this pressing issue. The UNiTE campaign, which runs from 25 November to 10 December, is a pivotal initiative aimed at raising awareness and mobilising global action to end violence against women and girls. This year's campaign, Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls, calls for increased government investment in prevention strategies. Alarmingly, only 5% of government aid currently targets violence against women and girls, with less than 0.2% allocated to prevention efforts. Increased funding for women’s organisations, better legislation, and enhanced support services for survivors are critical components needed to combat VAWG effectively.
Grassroots organisations play a vital role in driving change. For example, Women’s Aid, a UK-based charity, works tirelessly to support survivors and advocate for policy changes. They provide resources and training for local authorities and community services to enhance support for women experiencing violence. Similarly, Refuge, also based in the UK, offers safe accommodation and specialist support for women and children escaping domestic violence. Their advocacy efforts have led to significant policy changes, demonstrating how local initiatives can contribute to broader global goals of peace and justice.
Internationally, organisations such as UN Women, Amnesty International, and Equality Now are instrumental in advocating for women's rights. UN Women focuses on promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women, working to establish legal frameworks and implement policies that protect women from violence. Their “Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces” initiative aims to prevent sexual harassment and violence against women in urban areas. Meanwhile, Amnesty International campaigns for justice for survivors of gender-based violence and calls for governments to uphold their obligations to protect women's rights.
The role of global society
The Global Society plays an integral role in addressing violence against women and girls. Through international cooperation and the sharing of best practices, countries can learn from each other's successes and failures. Collaborative efforts, such as the #NoExcuse movement, which calls for urgent investments in prevention, highlight the power of collective action in tackling this complex issue. By fostering partnerships across sectors, including government, civil society, and the private sector, a comprehensive approach to combating VAWG can be developed.
Additionally, the World Health Organization emphasises that addressing VAWG requires a multi-sectoral approach that includes healthcare, education, and social services. By integrating services for survivors and providing comprehensive support, including medical care, legal aid, and psychological support, communities can better empower women and girls to seek help and escape cycles of violence.
The challenge of eliminating violence against women is immense, yet it is crucial for achieving sustainability and fulfilling the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals. The persistence of gender-based violence obstructs not only individual rights but also hinders global progress towards equality, development, and peace. As the world unites in action against this violence, it is imperative that governments and organisations increase their investment in prevention and support systems for survivors. Continued advocacy and awareness are vital to ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind in the quest for a just and equitable future.
For further reading on global efforts to combat violence against women, consider exploring resources from UN Women, Women’s Aid, and Amnesty International to gain insights into ongoing initiatives and ways to contribute to this critical cause. By joining these global movements, individuals can advocate for policy changes and contribute to building a safer, more equitable world for women and girls.