Violence Against Women And Girls Today: One Killed Every 11 Minutes

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a U.N. day designated to focus on the issue of violence against women and girls and to call for more effective action to combat it. Over time, the day has evolved into a global, widespread initiative that now incorporates 16 Days of Activism and the UNiTE campaigns. The 2023 campaign for the U.N. day is “Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls” and calls on governments worldwide to share and re-consider how they are investing in the prevention of gender-based violence.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Health and Well-being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate Action
14. Life Below Water
15. Life on Land
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals

Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence

Globally, an estimated 736 million women, one in three, have been subjected to some form of physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their life. This includes intimate partner violence, sexual violence and harassment, human trafficking, female genital mutilation, and child marriage. While gender-based violence can happen to anyone, some women and girls are particularly vulnerable due to factors such as age, migration status, ethnic and religious identity, and disability.

Global Statistics on Gender-Based Violence

The most recent global estimates from the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime show that, on average, more than 5 women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their own family. In 2020, approximately 47,000 women and girls were killed worldwide by their intimate partners or other family members. Asia has the highest number of victims, while Africa has the highest level relative to its female population.

Impact of Post-Pandemic Effects

The experiences of women and girls have been exacerbated by post-pandemic effects, conflicts, and climate change. The impact of Covid-19 confinement measures on gender-related killings is yet to be fully examined, but there has been an increase in the average annual number of killings in several parts of the world.

Online Violence Against Women

Gender-based violence and abuse are also prevalent in online spaces. Research has shown that 38% of women have had personal experiences of online violence, and 85% of women who spend time online have witnessed digital violence against other women. The Covid-19 pandemic has worsened this situation as women spend more time online.

Consequences and the Need for Prevention

The consequences of gender-based violence and abuse are wide-ranging and can have long-lasting effects on women and girls. It is crucial to focus on prevention, as any response post-abuse will never be comprehensive.

Investing to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls

The U.N. campaign “Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls” emphasizes the need for robust responses and investment in prevention. However, current investment in countering violence against women and girls remains sparse. The U.N. is calling for more investment in women’s organizations and initiatives, better legislation, prosecution of perpetrators, services for survivors, and training for law enforcement officials.

Call to Action

A change will only come when everyone in society realizes their important role in ending violence against women and girls. We all must work together to address the various aspects of this violence.

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.