The United Nations is marking the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence from 25 November to 10 December, under the global theme set by the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE campaign: “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!”

Nearly 1 in 3 women experience violence in their lifetime. And as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, in times of crisis, the numbers rise.

A new report from UN Women, based on data from 13 countries, shows that 2 in 3 women reported that they or a woman they know experienced some form of violence since the pandemic.  

Only 1 in 10 women said that victims would go to the police for help.

“Violence against women is a global crisis. In all of our own neighbourhoods, there are women and girls living in danger. Around the world, conflict, climate-related natural disasters, food insecurity and human rights violations are exacerbating violence against women,” Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UN Women, said on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

”More than 70 per cent of women have experienced gender-based violence in some crisis settings. And in countries, both rich and poor, gender prejudice has fuelled acts of violence toward women and girls,” she said.

While pervasive, gender-based violence is not inevitable. It can and must be prevented.

Stopping this violence starts with believing survivors, adopting comprehensive and inclusive approaches that tackle the root causes, transform harmful social norms, and empower women and girls.

With survivor-centred essential services across policing, justice, health and social sectors, along with sufficient financing for the women’s rights agenda, we can end gender-based violence.

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