25th Anniversary of International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women

As the United Nations marks the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed’s powerful remarks serve as a sobering reminder of the urgent work that remains to be done to end this pervasive violation of human rights. While the day offers an opportunity to reflect on progress, it also compels us to confront the harsh reality that violence against women and girls continues to be a global crisis, one that remains alarmingly pervasive in both private and public spheres.
Nearly one-third of women worldwide experience some form of violence, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, in their homes, workplaces, communities, and even online. In fact, according to recent reports, 140 women and girls are killed every day by family members, making the home the most dangerous place for many women around the world. This stark statistic is not just a number — it is a personal tragedy for each individual woman or girl, too often hidden by societal stigma, or silenced by fear.
Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed’s remarks underscored the inescapable reality for millions of women who live with the constant threat of violence. These women, often from marginalised groups such as women with disabilities, older women, and migrants or refugees, face compounded risks and barriers to safety. They navigate daily life with trepidation, adjusting their behaviour, their routes, their choices not out of preference, but out of necessity to protect themselves. This routine of fear stifles their ability to thrive in society, and denies them opportunities in education, employment, and public life. As a result, violence against women is not just a personal tragedy, but a societal and economic one as well, with ripple effects that impact communities, families, and entire nations.
The Deputy Secretary-General also reminded us that violence against women is not just a violation of human rights; it is a barrier to progress. Gender-based violence is a significant impediment to the realization of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on gender equality, economic empowerment, education, and peace. As the world grapples with interconnected crises —conflicts, climate change, health emergencies, and economic instability — women and girls are disproportionately affected. From Sudan to Gaza, Myanmar to Ukraine, the brutality of war and the disruption caused by global challenges disproportionately target women, leaving them vulnerable to violence, exploitation and displacement.
Despite these daunting challenges, there have been notable efforts to combat violence against women and girls. The past few decades have seen the adoption of stronger laws, policies, and strategies to address gender-based violence. The UN’s Spotlight Initiative, a partnership between the United Nations and the European Union, has led to the introduction of nearly 550 laws and policies aimed at preventing violence, while providing essential services to millions of women worldwide. The Initiative has demonstrated that meaningful change is possible; showing that when governments, civil society, and international organizations collaborate, progress can be made.
However, as Amina J. Mohammed pointed out, the scale of the problem far outweighs the current level of investment in prevention and support systems. Although there have been some positive strides, violence against women and girls remains disturbingly commonplace, and the resources needed to address the root causes of this violence — among which are harmful social norms, gender inequality, and discrimination — are still insufficient. The Deputy Secretary-General’s call to increase funding for comprehensive approaches that include education, prevention and survivor support must be a priority for all governments, international organizations, and civil society groups.
The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but it is not insurmountable. Ending violence against women and girls requires sustained and collective action; action that engages all parts of society, including men and boys, to challenge the deeply ingrained societal norms that perpetuate violence. It requires a commitment from governments to strengthen legal protections and ensure that justice is accessible to survivors.
In her speech, Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed emphasized the importance of multilateralism and collaboration between countries and actors to achieve lasting change. This is not just a women’s issue, but a global one, and it requires the collective efforts of all people, organizations, and governments.