UN Women Urges Bold Investments to Combat Gender-Based Violence

UN Women has called for substantial investments to address gender-based violence (GBV) following a report revealing that only 0.2% of global aid and development funding is allocated to the prevention of GBV.

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The report, titled “What Counts? The State of Funding for the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence against Women and Girls,” highlights a critical funding gap as the world begins the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The study, conducted by UN Women partners the Equality Institute and the Accelerator for GBV Prevention, disclosed that out of the $204 billion spent globally in overseas development assistance in 2022, a mere one-fifth of one per cent was directed towards preventing GBV.

As the world commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, UN Women’s Gender Snapshot 2023 report indicates that 245 million women and girls face physical and/or sexual violence annually. Economic crises, conflicts, and climate change have further heightened their vulnerability.

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous emphasized the need for serious funding to implement effective measures, reform laws, provide survivor services, and scale up evidence-based prevention interventions. She urged stakeholders to contribute collectively to end violence against women and girls.

A newly launched research brief by UNODC and UN Women reported a concerning rise in intentional killings of women and girls, reaching nearly 89,000 in 2022—the highest in two decades. A global social media campaign, using #NoExcuse and #16Days, will accompany the 16 Days of Activism, advocating for sustainable investments to end violence against women and girls.

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UN Women’s official commemoration event in New York on November 22, featuring Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and UN Women’s Executive Director, marks the beginning of a campaign involving events worldwide to ensure a violence-free future for women and girls. Iconic buildings globally, including the Grand Place City Hall Hôtel de Ville in Brussels, will be illuminated in orange to symbolize the call for action against gender-based violence.