International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: Standing in Solidarity Against Gender-Based Violence

Strategic Insights -

On this international day, the world comes together to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and launch the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign. Amidst the ongoing pandemic, which has led to unimaginable setbacks for women and girls, the United States reaffirms its commitment to fighting the scourge of gender-based violence. From the shocking stories of human rights abuses in Iran to the brutal beatings in Afghanistan, the international community must unite to eliminate this horror over the next decade. The U.S. reiterates its solidarity with brave women and girls who fight daily to live a life free from violence, and commits to addressing this human rights abuse through the updated U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally.

Key Takeaways:

  • The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign.
  • Harmful gender and social norms, exacerbated by conflict, economic inequality, and climate change, perpetuate violence against women and girls globally.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant setbacks for women and girls, including increased risk of child, early, and forced marriage for millions of young girls, and spikes in intimate-partner and sexual violence.
  • In the United States, intimate-partner violence persists, with a rise in gender-based violence during the lockdown, disproportionately impacting women and girls from underrepresented communities.
  • One in five girls will be married before reaching age 18 globally, and one in three women will experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetimes.
  • The U.S. commits to addressing this human rights abuse through the updated U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally.
  • The U.S. is working to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in humanitarian contexts, ensuring survivors' access to health services, and promoting accountability and justice for conflict-related sexual violence.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 5 girls will be married before reaching age 18 globally.
  • 1 in 3 women will experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetimes.
  • One in five girls will be married before reaching age 18 in the United States.
  • One in three women will experience intimate-partner violence in their lifetimes in the United States.

Sources:

  • U.S. Mission to the United Nations.