16 Days of Activism: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls
Date:
[Press statement]
Kabul, Afghanistan — As the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the United Nations in Afghanistan calls for renewed solidarity with Afghan women and increased investment in concrete support.
The number of Afghan women and girls at heightened risk of violence has increased by 40 per cent in the past two years, with 14.2 million women now in need of protection and assistance.[1]
Afghan women face an unprecedented spectrum of violence, from the erosion of their rights and mobility to the daily threat of physical, psychological and economic harm.
Their situation stands as one of the starkest reminders of how violence can take many forms and how quickly hard-won protections can disappear. Urgent global support is needed as rising risks of gender-based violence coincide with shrinking services and deepening aid cuts.
“For Afghan women, violence is not only what is seen or heard, but also the silencing of their voices, the doors closed on their futures, and their rights taken away,” said Georgette Gagnon, Officer in Charge of UNAMA and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan.
“As we urge Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to end restrictions on women and girls, we also call on the international community to maintain all avenues of critical support. Despite extraordinary obstacles, Afghan women continue to show remarkable courage, resilience, and leadership in their homes, communities, and civic life.”
Severe aid cuts have forced the UN and partners to close or reduce life-saving services including in protection, primary and mental health care, psychosocial support, safe accommodation, emergency assistance and legal counselling, as well as programmes supporting women’s economic empowerment.
This year, women-led organizations in Afghanistan lost one-fifth of their budgets, and most reported taking on fewer projects as a result.[2]
UN Women Special Representative in Afghanistan, Susan Ferguson, warned that reduced funds for women-led organizations, alongside unprecedented constraints and heightened surveillance, are limiting their ability to serve those most at risk.
“These organizations work courageously at the grassroots level to reach women and girls, and we must not abandon them,” Ms. Ferguson said.
“Afghan women and girls are supporting each other, with the backing of men allies in local communities, and we must continue to stand with them. Their voices and contributions are essential to building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan.”
This year’s global campaign theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” is a reminder of how digital connectivity has become essential for many Afghan women, including to seek protection from violence, and the vulnerability of those without access to a phone or the Internet.
The recent 48-hour internet blackout underscored that digital access is critical for women’s safety, dignity and economic survival.
In Afghanistan, the theme for the next 16 days is ‘Still Together: Stand with Afghan Women’, underscoring resilience and collective commitment. It reflects the enduring strength of Afghan women and girls, as well as the UN’s continued presence and delivery of essential services since August 2021.
Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, the United Nations in Afghanistan calls for:
- Renewed global solidarity with Afghan women and girls and increased determination to stand with them as they demand their rights
- Increased and flexible funding for gender-based violence prevention and response services;
- Support for women-led organizations, who remain indispensable partners in delivering life-saving assistance;
- Recognition of digital access as a critical protection tool, and investment in safe, inclusive, and secure digital spaces for women and girls; and
- Community-driven solutions including men allies and local leaders actively working to prevent and address violence.
[1] UN Women 2024 Afghanistan Gender Index
[2] OCHA Afghanistan – Overview of Funding Shortfall and Impact on Humanitarian Operations