Ending Violence Against Women: A Question of Dignity, Equality, and Human Rights

At the age of 15, Salma* was compelled to marry, despite her desire to continue her education and one day become a doctor. Rather, she ended...

At the age of 15, Salma* was compelled to marry, despite her desire to continue her education and one day become a doctor.

Rather, she ended up bound to a man who "shifted from being gentle to becoming a monster." He would strike her "with his bare hands," shesaid recently.

A young mother from Yemen is part of approximately 840 million women globally—almost one in three—who have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner, including a former or current husband.

Even more concerning, this number has remained almost unchanged since the year 2000, showing a meager decrease of 0.2 percent each year over the last twenty years.

In the past 12 months only,11 percent of women over the age of 15, approximately 316 million, experienced physical or sexual violence from a close partner..

A 'pervasive' injustice

Violence toward women is among the oldest and most widespread injustices faced by humanity, yet it continuesone of the least implemented," saidTedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The absence of advancement is recorded ina reportreleased on Wednesday by the WHO and other UN organizations.

It examines information from 168 nations, spanning the years 2000 to 2023, indicating "a"grim depiction of a severely overlooked issue and a significantly under-resourced reaction."

For the first time, national and regional data on sexual violence committed by someone other than a partner — such as a male relative or acquaintance — are being incorporated.

Findings show that Over 263 million women have faced sexual violence from someone who was not their partner after turning 15., a figure experts warn is greatly underreported because of stigma and fear.

Funding shortfall persists

Who pointed out that, despite increasing evidence of effective methods for preventing violence against women, funding remains reduced.

In 2022, just 0.2 percent of worldwide development assistance was directed towards these initiatives, with financial support decreasing even more since then.

This is occurring during a period in which humanitarian crises, increasing inequality, and various other issues are endangering the lives of millions of women and girls.

Violence begins early

Women who experience violence are more likely to have unplanned pregnancies, face a greater chance of contracting sexually transmitted infections, and suffer from depression, as stated in the report.

Moreover, violence against women often starts at a young age, with dangers continuing throughout a woman's lifetime. In just the past 12 months, 12.5 million girls between the ages of 15 and 19 have faced physical and/or sexual abuse from a partner.

The data indicates that numerous women first encounter violence from a partner during their teenage years. Andmany children spend their childhood witnessing their mothers being pushed, struck, or demeaned, with violence being a regular part of their lives, said Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the children's rights organizationUNICEF.

The essential step is to disrupt this cycle, she mentioned.

Action, support and investment

The publication was issued beforeInternational Day to End Violence against Women and Girls, celebrated every year on November 25.

It demands clear government intervention and financial support to expand proven prevention initiatives and enhance health, legal, and social services for those affected.

Nations should also allocate resources to data systems that monitor advancements and target the most vulnerable groups, alongside implementing laws and policies that support women and girls.

"No community can claim to be just, secure, or thriving if a significant portion of its people exist in constant anxiety.," said Tedros.

Putting an end to this violence goes beyond policy; it is about dignity, equality, and human rights.

Salma's dream

Salma* has returned to school following a judge's decision to release her to her parents.

She was also directed to a secure environment backed by the UN's reproductive health agency,UNFPA, where she discovered her rights, and remains determined in her aspiration to become a physician.

"It is crucial that we act swiftly as one to put an end to this violence, ensuring that every woman and girl, in all her variety, can assert her rights, fulfill her potential, and play a full role in building more just, equal, and prosperous societies," stated Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA.

*Name changed for protection.

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