This article is written by a student and reflects their individual perspectives and opinions. It does not constitute an official representation of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute. The content provided here is for educational and informational purposes only, and readers should be aware that it does not necessarily align with the official position of the institute. Readers are encouraged to independently verify information and seek guidance from appropriate academic authorities when necessary. The authors bear full responsibility for the content presented in this blog and any potential consequences resulting from it.
This article was written by Cornelia Walles, intern at RWI. She has a Master’s degree in Communication from Gothenburg University and a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies with a specialization in human ecology. Cornelia is interested in the areas of Human Rights and the Environment and Business and Human Rights.
November 25th: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This is an important day to create awareness on the issue of gender-based violence. Gender-based violence can be defined as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.” (United Nations). Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread and enduring violations of human rights globally. Statistics from the United Nations underscore the urgent need for awareness and action:
- Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed due to violence.
- Approximately 736 million women worldwide have endured sexual or physical violence in their lifetime.
- A staggering 70% of women in conflict zones, war, or humanitarian crises face gender-based violence.
However, much of the violence against women remains unreported due to factors like stigma and shame. The focus of this article is related to the last statistic: the devastating prevalence of violence against women in conflict zones, war, and humanitarian crises.
Violence Against Women in Conflict Zones, War, and Humanitarian Crises.
According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), war and conflicts significantly increase the risk of gender-based violence against women and girls. The violence can take various forms, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Examples include sexual assault, forced marriage, torture, trafficking, and even femicide. With the increase of conflicts in the world, the violence against women is worsening and the problem is getting bigger. In 2023, the percentage of women killed in armed conflicts was twice as high as in 2022 according to UN Women. These rising deaths and violence against women in war reflect a growing disregard for international laws meant to protect them. Additionally, gender-based violence is prevalent in post-conflict societies (OHCHR). This is due to the erosion of the rule of law, weakening social structures, and the normalization of such violence during conflicts.
Lack of Essential Services
As OHCHR states, women in war, conflict zones and humanitarian crises often lack essential services such as healthcare. Women therefore experience a greater risk of unplanned pregnancies, sexual and reproductive injuries, and sexually transmitted infections resulting from sexual violence. Additionally, girls often face greater challenges in accessing education. This is often due to fears of attacks, threats, and the extra household and caregiving duties they are expected to take on. According to the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA) and UN Women, there were 6,000 reported attacks on schools and universities between 2022 and 2023. Additionally, in 10 countries, girls and women were specifically targeted due to their gender. Women also have to find new ways to support their families, as their role in providing for the household becomes more crucial (OHCHR).
16 Days of Activism
How can I take part in the effort to raise awareness of the importance of eliminating violence against women? As an intern at RWI who works with communications strategy and activities as a catalyst for impact, I am inspired by efforts that leverage synergy toward greater collective action. In this vein, I would like to spotlight the United Nations’ global campaign called UNiTE. This 16-day initiative runs from November 25 to December 10, concluding on the International Human Rights Day. The 2024 campaign is titled Every 10 Minutes, a Woman is Killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence Against Women aims to highlight the alarming rise in violence against women. It seeks to reignite commitments, demand accountability, and push decision-makers to take meaningful action.
You can actively participate in this campaign by leveraging your social media platforms to share accurate information, compelling statistics, and powerful stories that illuminate the severity of gender-based violence. Use impactful hashtags like #NoExcuse to amplify the message and encourage broader engagement.
Beyond social media, there are many ways to support this campaign:
- Educate Yourself: Dive into resources that help you understand the root causes, forms, and impacts of gender-based violence, equipping yourself to be a more informed advocate.
- Support NGOs and Community Groups: Partner with organizations dedicated to women’s rights and providing essential services to survivors of violence through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness about their work.
- Advocate for Policy Change: Use your voice to push for laws and policies that advance gender equality and protect women from violence, urging policymakers to prioritize these issues.
These are some of the activities I personally value when promoting campaigns that inspire awareness and action. Every effort, big or small, contributes to building a safer and more equitable world.
Conclusion
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address gender-based violence, including in conflict zones, war, and humanitarian crises. The prevalence of such violence highlights systemic failures and the erosion of protections for women during and after conflicts. Initiatives like the UN’s 16 Days of Activism emphasize the need for collective action, accountability, and renewed commitments to ending this injustice. Protecting women’s rights is essential for building a just and equitable global society, as it directly upholds fundamental human rights.
References:
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). (n.d.). Women’s human rights and gender-related concerns in situations of conflict and instability. Retrieved from Women’s human rights and gender-related concerns in situations of conflict and instability | OHCHR
United Nations. (n.d.). International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Retrieved from International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women | United Nations
UN Women. (n.d.). Facts and figures: Women, peace, and security. Retrieved from Facts and figures: Women, peace, and security
UN Women – Headquarters. (2023). War on women: Proportion of women killed in armed conflicts doubles in 2023. Retrieved from War on women – Proportion of women killed in armed conflicts doubles in 2023 | UN Women – Headquarters
Featured image by EyeEm from Freepik