End Violence against Women

It is estimated that 1 in 3 women have been subjected to physical and/or physical intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.^[1] 15 million adolescent girls worldwide have experienced forced sex at some point in their life.^[2] In Asia and the Pacific, as many as 75% of women over 18 have experienced sexual harassment,^[3] and women are less likely to report sexual abuse as they fear retaliation, rejection, victim-blaming and stigmatisation^[4] Violence against women and girls is a major impediment to women’s empowerment, gender equality and the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals.  Violence against women and girls (VAWG) devastates lives, fractures families and communities, and stalls development.

Our solutions

UN Women, our partners, and the communities with whom we work know how to end violence against women and girls.

We know the best way to end violence against women and girls is to prevent it before it happens. So, we work with diverse partners on early education for men and boys to value respectful relationships.

We know that violence against women and girls is rooted in gender discrimination and inequality.  So, we guide, and support behaviour change approaches, shifting beliefs, attitudes, and actions toward equal, safe, healthy relationships.

We know that survivors of violence often lack access to basic services for safety, protection, and recovery. So, our work improves quality and access to essential services, guided by the needs of survivors.

We know that weak law enforcement and the continued impunity of perpetrators limit women and girls’ access to safety and justice. So, we work with Governments to implement legal reforms that defend and uphold human rights and increase accountability.

We know sexual harassment and sexual violence towards women and girls occurs worldwide on the streets every day. So, we work with local partners to make safe and empowering public spaces.

We know that women migrants are at risk of violence, trafficking, and discrimination. So, we work with partners across the ASEAN region to ensure that labour migration is safe and fair.

We know the COVID-19 pandemic has enabled a shadow pandemic of violence against women and girls. So, we work with service providers and partners on the ground to ensure that women are not forgotten, that services continue and are better prepared for future shocks.

And we know we can’t do this alone, so as the founding partner of UNiTE, we call on governments, civil society, the private sector, the media, and the entire UN system to join us in this work because we know that together, we can build a future for women and girls free from violence.

Click here to learn more about our work.