Ending Violence Against Women: Urgent Action Needed to Combat VAWG Globally
- Women living in conflict, poverty, or displacement face a high risk of violence.
- Femicide, the murder of women and girls, is a devastating reality in every country.
- Effective laws can help; nations with domestic violence laws report lower rates of intimate partner violence.
Understanding Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
Women living in conflict, poverty, or displacement face a high risk of violence. Public figures like politicians and journalists, especially those who challenge gender norms, are often targeted by threats and violence. This includes digital abuse meant to intimidate or silence them.
The failure to prevent VAWG has deadly consequences. Femicide, the murder of women and girls, is a devastating reality in every country. In 2023, around 51,100 women were killed by intimate partners or family members—about 140 women daily. Impunity prevails, with few cases of VAWG resulting in prosecution.
Key Actions Needed
VAWG is unacceptable and must be condemned. Countries need to take immediate steps to prevent it. Effective laws can help; nations with domestic violence laws report lower rates of intimate partner violence. Despite inadequate resources for survivor support, many countries are beginning to allocate budgets to combat VAWG.
This year, the theme “Towards Beijing+30: UNiTE to end violence against women and girls” stresses that all sectors, particularly Member States, must act on VAWG. Governments should work with women’s rights organizations, enforce laws, and provide support to survivors.
Support should be holistic and include legal, health, and psychological care. Strengthening law enforcement and ensuring justice for survivors is crucial.
Evidence-Based Interventions
We have more information than ever on preventing VAWG. Effective methods focus on encouraging positive gender norms and attitudes. A strong feminist movement is vital for driving policy changes. Women’s organizations, especially local ones, need adequate resources to advocate for accountability.
In 2025, the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration provides a chance to reflect on the commitment to a life free from violence for all women and girls.
The deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is 2030. Urgent action is needed to prevent VAWG, hold perpetrators accountable, and protect women and girls globally.
Join the Cause
Everyone can contribute to ending violence against women and girls. Together, we can make a difference. UNiTE to end this violence!