On November 25, the world comes together to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, a day that demands our attention to a problem that refuses to go away. This event is not just a date on the calendar; it's a wake-up call highlighting the dire situation faced by women and girls globally. Violence against them is not just an issue,it’s a crisis that must be tackled immediately!
The United Nations has zeroed in on online violence for the 2025 observance, a move that underscores the urgency of keeping digital spaces safe. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has boldly declared, "We cannot allow digital spaces to be yet another place where women and girls are unsafe." This statement is a clear acknowledgment of the shifting landscape of violence, necessitating our collective outrage and swift action to protect women in every corner of their lives.
This year is particularly momentous as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and the 25th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution on Women, Peace, and Security,two historic milestones that should have changed the game! Yet, despite these achievements, the shocking prevalence of gender-based violence continues to plague societies, especially in Africa. UNICEF reports an appalling statistic: over 79 million girls and women in sub-Saharan Africa have suffered rape or sexual assault during their childhood.
In conflict zones, the atrocities multiply. Women fleeing war-torn Sudan recount chilling tales of killings, systematic rape, and their children disappearing in the chaos. These harrowing stories shed light on the grim reality that violence against women escalates in times of war, and it’s a reality we cannot ignore!
South Africa is currently a focal point of attention as women rally against the unfathomable rates of gender-based violence. With a femicide rate reportedly five times higher than the global average, according to UN Women, the outcry for action is growing louder. The South African government has finally reacted by declaring gender-based violence a national disaster, promising to allocate resources and take decisive action.
On a regional level, the African Union is taking steps to combat this pervasive issue. In February, they adopted a Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, which, once ratified, will serve as a legally binding commitment for state parties. However, only a handful of countries, including Angola, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Liberia, and The Gambia, have signed thus far. The slow pace of ratification raises serious questions about the commitment to genuinely eliminate gender-based violence across the continent.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls is a vital reminder that the fight is far from over. It’s a call to arms for individuals, communities, and governments worldwide to unite and take a stand against this unacceptable reality. Women and girls deserve to live without fear and violence, and it’s time we collectively demand that change happen now!
