Guterres: Violence against women is horrific violation of human rights, a public health crisis, and a major obstacle to sustainable development

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has declared violence against women as a "horrific violation of human rights, a public health crisis, and a major obstacle to sustainable development."

Guterres highlighted the persistent, widespread, and worsening nature of this issue, ranging from sexual harassment and abuse to femicide, emphasizing that the root cause lies in structural injustice ingrained by millennia of patriarchy in his message for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women marked on 25 November annually.  

"We still live in a male-dominated culture that leaves women vulnerable by denying them equality in dignity and rights," stated Guterres, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of such a culture on societies, economies, and global justice. He stressed that creating a different world is not only necessary but also possible.

The UN Secretary-General announced this year's theme of the UNiTE campaign as "Invest to Prevent Violence against Women & Girls," calling on individuals, communities, and nations to take decisive action. The campaign encourages support for legislation and comprehensive policies that strengthen the protection of women's rights across the board.

To address the issue at its core, Guterres urged the international community to ramp up investments in prevention and support to women's rights organizations. Recognizing the importance of survivors' voices, he called for an end to impunity for perpetrators worldwide, emphasizing the need to listen to survivors and stand with women activists.

"Stand with women activists and promote women's leadership at every stage of decision-making," Guterres urged, emphasizing the critical role of women in shaping policies and driving change. The Secretary-General called for collective action to build a world that refuses to tolerate violence against women in any form, anywhere, once and for all.

The annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence kicks off today on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and will run until 10 December, Human Rights Day. The campaign hashtag is #NoExcuse this year. 

16 Days of Activism was started by activists at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

In support of this civil society initiative, the United Nations Secretary-General launched in 2008 the campaign UNITE by 2030 to End Violence against Women, which runs parallel to the 16 Days of Activism.