Violence and discrimination against women and girls is everybody’s issue.
Every girl and every woman has the right to live free from violence, discrimination, intimidation or abuse.
Yet today, violence denies millions of women and girls around the world this right. Violence against women and girls remains one of the most persistent, systematic and widespread human rights violations.
Only 4% of sports media coverage is dedicated to female athletes
Source: UNESCO
Sports coverage is hugely powerful in shaping norms and stereotypes about gender. Media has the ability to challenge these norms, promoting a balanced coverage of men's and women's sports and a fair portrayal of sportspeople – irrespective of gender.
As many as 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives
Source: WHO
Sexual violence is any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting.
Nearly half of all sexual assaults are committed against girls who are younger than 16.
Global wealth would increase by €136 trillion if women received equal pay for equal work
Source: THE WORLD BANK
In nearly every country today, women face barriers to fully participate in the work force and earn as much as men. Programs and policies that make it easier for women to get to work, access basic infrastructure and financial services, and control land could help achieve gender equality in earnings.
More than 70% of human trafficking victims globally are women and girls; 3 out of 4 trafficked girls and women are sexually exploited
Source: UNODC
Human trafficking is the acquisition and exploitation of people, through means such as force, fraud or deception.
The practice ensnares millions of women and girls, many of whom are sexually exploited.
Why does it happen?
Violence and discrimination against women and girls is rooted in the structural inequality in power relations between women and men. Harmful social and gender norms mean women and girls are considered less valuable than their male counterparts, and perpetuate men’s control and sense of entitlement over women and girls.
Violence and discrimination against women and girls can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. It persists in every country and can occur in private and public spaces regardless of age, education or socioeconomic status. There is nothing that justifies it and it is never the target’s fault.
What is the impact?
Violence and discrimination deny women and girls their right to fulfil their potential and live the life they choose. It has immediate and long-term physical, sexual and mental health consequences, and prevents girls and women from fully participating in society.
When women and girls are empowered and given equal opportunities, free from violence, they can exercise their rights and drive forward sustainable development – for themselves, their family, community and country.
How can we end it?
Ending violence and discrimination against women and girls in the long-term is complex. It requires interventions across sectors and levels to tackle the deeply-rooted gender inequality which fuels it.
But it can be stopped, and everybody has a role to play. Individually and collectively, we must become positive bystanders, standing up for the rights of women and girls and pro-actively speaking out against discrimination and abuse.
By calling out harmful behaviours and attitudes, we will challenge the ingrained norms and inequalities which perpetuate violence and discrimination.
Promoting positive masculinity, which includes being kind, respective and emotional, will also help create a cultural shift in which to be a man does not mean being violent.
We are determined to end violence and discrimination against women and girls now. Are you with us? Then take our pledge and prove it!
Pledge
We need everybody to take action to help end violence and discrimination against women and girls. Help spread the word now!
Be part of the movement to end violence against women and girls. Create your own avatar and take the pledge to act today!
CreateHave you been affected by violence, discrimination, intimidation or abuse? Whether you have experienced violence yourself or are concerned about somebody else, there are many services available to support you.
If you are a young person, don’t forget you can talk to a trusted adult or friend about the issue, and seek further support and assistance through your local children’s organisation.
You can learn more about the issue by visiting the UN Women, UNFPA and UNDP websites.
Challenge the discrimination and inequality which are the root cause of violence against women and girls. Be a positive bystander and speak out whenever women and girls are not treated with equal respect.
Raise awareness with my friends, family, colleagues and community members. Violence against women and girls has no boundaries. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. There is nothing that justifies it and it is never the target’s fault.
To be a man does not mean being violent. Positive masculinity includes being kind, respectful, emotional and not using positions of power or privilege to do harm. Follow the example of men and boys who uphold these values and help create a new normal.
Volunteer or donate to organisations that offer services to victims and take time to listen to survivors without judgement or providing advice.
