By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
As the world marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the World Health Organization has renewed its urgent call for global action to end violence against women and girls, warning that progress over the past two decades has been painfully slow.
The annual campaign runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day, rallying governments, communities and individuals worldwide to stand together against one of the most widespread human rights violations.
According to new 2023 global estimates released by the WHO, almost one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, making gender-based violence both a major public health emergency and a human rights crisis.
In just the past 12 months alone, 11% of ever-partnered women aged 15 years and older experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.
Despite years of global efforts, prevalence has declined by only 0.2% per year, highlighting how slow progress has been.
The burden is even heavier in humanitarian settings, climate-vulnerable communities, and areas affected by poverty, where risks are significantly higher.
Sexual violence outside intimate relationships is also widespread, with 8% of women globally reporting such experiences, though experts warn the true figure is likely much higher due to stigma and under-reporting.
The WHO report further reveals that violence often begins in adolescence and can continue into old age.
Around 16% of girls aged 15–19 experienced intimate partner violence within a single year, while 4–5% of women aged 60 and above have also faced similar abuse groups that frequently remain overlooked in data and policy responses.
“Behind every statistic is a woman or girl whose health, safety and rights have been violated,” WHO said.
Despite the grim statistics, the WHO stresses that violence against women is preventable.
This year’s campaign also highlights the launch of the second edition of the RESPECT Women Prevention Framework, which provides evidence-based strategies for stopping violence before it occurs.
“ The RESPECT framework focuses on strengthening relationship skills, empowering women and girls, ensuring access to support services, reducing poverty, creating safe environments in schools, workplaces and public spaces, preventing child and adolescent abuse and transforming unequal gender norms,” WHO said
Across the world, communities are already challenging harmful traditions, governments are strengthening laws, and health systems are improving survivor support services.
The WHO is urging individuals, institutions and governments to take part in the fight against gender-based violence by raising awareness about the long-term health, social and economic consequences.
As the 16 Days of Activism campaign unfolds under the theme “Open the door. Take a stand. End violence,” the WHO says only collective action, sustained investment and decisive leadership can finally turn the tide against violence directed at women and girls across the world.