Violence against women and girls is one of the most
widespread violations of human rights. It can include physical, sexual,
psychological and economic abuse, and it cuts across boundaries of age, race,
culture, wealth and geography. It takes place in the home, on the streets, in
schools, the workplace, in farm fields, refugee camps, during conflicts and
crises. It has many manifestations — from the most universally prevalent forms
of domestic and sexual violence, to harmful practices, abuse during pregnancy,
so-called honour killings and other types of femicide.
International and regional legal instruments have clarified
obligations of States to prevent, eradicate and punish violence against women
and girls. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women
(CEDAW) requires that countries party to the Convention take all appropriate
steps to end violence. However, the continued prevalence of violence against
women and girls demonstrates that this global pandemic of alarming proportions
is yet to be tackled with all the necessary political commitment and resources.
Globally, up to six out of every ten women experience
physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. A World Health Organization
study of 24,000 women in 10 countries found that the prevalence of physical
and/or sexual violence by a partner varied from 15 percent in urban Japan to 71
percent in rural Ethiopia, with most areas being in the 30–60 percent range.
Violence against women and girls has far-reaching
consequences, harming families and communities. For women and girls 16–44 years
old, violence is a major cause of death and disability. In 1994, a World Bank
study on ten selected risk factors facing girls and women in this age group,
found rape and domestic violence more dangerous than cancer, motor vehicle
accidents, war and malaria. Studies also reveal increasing links between
violence against women and HIV and AIDS. A survey among 1,366 South African
women showed that women who were beaten by their partners were 48 percent more
likely to be infected with HIV than those who were not.
Gender-based violence not only violates human rights, but
also hampers productivity, reduces human capital and undermines economic
growth. A 2003 report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
estimates that the costs of intimate partner violence in the United States
alone exceeds US$5.8 billion per year: US$4.1 billion are for direct medical
and health care services, while productivity losses account for nearly US$1.8
billion due to absenteeism.
Countries have made some progress in addressing violence
against women and girls. According to the UN Secretary-General’s 2006 In-Depth Study on All Forms of Violence against
Women, 89 countries had some legislation
on domestic violence, and a growing number of countries had instituted national
plans of action. Marital rape is a prosecutable offence in at least 104 States,
and 90 countries have laws on sexual harassment. However, in too many countries
gaps remain. In 102 countries there are no specific legal provisions against
domestic violence, and marital rape is not a prosecutable offence in at least
53 nations.
UN Women’s Approach
UN Women works on several fronts towards ending violence
against women and girls. This includes tackling its main root: gender
inequality. Efforts are multiplied through advocacy campaigns and partnerships
with governments, civil society and the UN system. Initiatives range from
working to establish legal frameworks and specific national actions, to
supporting prevention at the grassroots level, including in conflict and
post-conflict situations. UN Women has also supported data collection on
violence against women, facilitating new learning on the issue.
UN Women plays an active role in supporting the UN
Secretary-General’s multi-year UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign, launched in 2008. As a designated coordinator, UN
Women works together with the UN system and other partners on the campaign’s
regional components in Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean, expected to
be launched in 2009.