With theme “There is no reason,” The event serves as a powerful call to action against gender-based violence, highlighting both progress and the urgent work that still needs to be done.
EQUAL Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres pointed out in his article message during the day, the statistics were staggering: “Every day, 140 women and girls are murdered by family members. […] We must face the harsh truth: our fight is far from over.”
the Chairman of the General AssemblyPhilémon Yang, creating the atmosphere for the anniversary event, emphasize: “Let us use this International Day as an opportunity to exchange best practices, identify critical gaps and strengthen our commitment to preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls.”
Progress amid challenges
Over the years, the fight against gender-based violence has made significant progress. United Nations Spotlight initiativescooperation with the European Union, has shown that progress is possible.
Deputy Secretary General Amina J. Mohammed shared program achievements: “The initiative has demonstrated significant progress, including the adoption or enhancement of nearly 550 laws and policies.” “It has provided essential services to 3 million women, education, gender equality, engaging 8 million young women,” added Sima Bahou, Executive Director of UN Women.
Despite the achievements, Ms. Bahous emphasized the need to invest more in prevention strategies: “We must not deny the very real progress, but we must also be honest with ourselves. We believe it is too slow and is threatened by emerging challenges ranging from politics to technology. Today is the time for us to make this case again, because we must work tirelessly.”
Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN-Women, spoke at the high-level General Assembly meeting commemorating the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Call to action
American activist Tarana Burke, founder of the MeToo movement, gave a profound speech, weaving personal faith with a call to global action. She was inspired by the words of poet and activist June Jordan. “’We are the ones we’ve been waiting for’ And for me, ‘we’ are the survivors, especially those of us most deeply affected, black and brown people, gay and disabled people, low assets and poverty. We must always be our own saviors.”
The theme throughout the event was the need for men and boys to actively participate in efforts to eliminate gender-based violence.
Tarana J. Burke, Chief Visionary Officer of “Me Too” International, speaks at the high-level General Assembly meeting commemorating the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
“They are allies who must introspect to see what they can do better,” Mr. Yang said. “Furthermore, they must take proactive steps to change discriminatory attitudes towards women and prevent violence against them,” he stressed.
As Ms. Mohammed said, “Let us come together, especially our men and boys, to reaffirm our commitment and step up action to end violence against women.”
Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed spoke at the high-level meeting of the General Assembly commemorating the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Look ahead
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its founding Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action Looking ahead, this event highlights the need for global solidarity and accountability. Leaders called for renewed commitments to fulfill promises made nearly three decades ago.
The UN Deputy Secretary-General concluded: “Together, let us strive for a world where dignity and security are guaranteed to all, not as a privilege but as a fundamental right.” .
