As the world commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, it is time to remind ourselves, as world leaders agreed at the 2005 World Summit, that progress for women is progress for all.
Every woman has the right to live in dignity—free of fear, coercion, violence and discrimination. Every woman and girl has the right to education and health, including sexual and reproductive health, and equal opportunity. Yet, for hundreds of millions of girls and women worldwide, these human rights are routinely denied.
As a result, women and girls continue to be threatened by domestic violence and abuse in their own homes. Girls are forced into marriage as child brides. Women and girls are subjected to shocking levels of sexual violence. In conflict situations, rape is used as a strategy of war. And trafficking of women, a modern form of slavery, is on the rise. Violence and exploitation are also putting women and girls at increased risk of HIV infection and furthering the spread of the AIDS pandemic. Violence against women is a threat to health and a violation of human rights. It also carries heavy social and economic costs for women, their families and communities, and entire countries.
Today and every day we must speak out forcefully for zero tolerance of all forms of violence against women and girls. Together we have to do more to back up our rhetoric with action. And we must recognize that this is not a woman’s issue—this is an issue that concerns us all, and men have an important and responsible role to play.
Together we must prevent and punish violence against women. It is neither inevitable nor acceptable and it can be stopped. Social norms and attitudes that condone discrimination and violence against women and girls can be changed. This is the first step, which requires awareness raising, behaviour change and social mobilization.
A second step is legal protection. We need to strengthen legal systems and the rule of law. The rights of women—including their rights to income, property, security and inheritance—need to be protected and those who violate the laws must be brought to justice.
A third step is the provision of health information and services. We need to do more to guarantee the right to sexual and reproductive health, including family planning, safe motherhood and HIV prevention.
UNFPA is working with a wide range of partners to eliminate violence against women and to promote women’s empowerment, male responsibility, gender equality and reproductive health and rights. We are convinced that this comprehensive approach will move us closer to a world where women and girls can live free from fear and violence and reach their full potential, and where women and men can enjoy mutual respect and confidence.