(Commonwealth)_ Violence against women has become one of the most continuous and least punished human rights violations of our time. It happens in every society, cuts across all cultures, and transcends all economic and social groups. Much of it is silent, hidden in homes and private spaces, where survivors are isolated and perpetrators go unchallenged. This reality makes it deeply personal to us all.
Many of us are aware of the fear that permeates everyday life for women. Casual reminders to loved ones—asking a sister to be on her guard walking home or checking in with a daughter when she reaches her place safely—are uncomfortable truths: women and girls remain vulnerable to perils that have no place in reality. Globally, one in three women experiences physical or sexual assault in her lifetime. Young girls, women with disabilities, and members of minority or marginalized communities face a starkly increased risk. Each act of physical injury, psychological coercion, and verbal denigration forms part of an elaborate framework for maintaining dominance over women.
The world is not short of evidence: decades of research, statistics, and survivor testimonies outline the extent of the crisis. What is lacking is collective courage to dismantle the social and institutional structures that allow such violence to be normalized. Thirty years ago, global leaders came together in Beijing, identifying violence against women as a global emergency and a direct barrier to gender equality. Yet three decades on, progress remains fragile. Hard-won rights are being challenged, and violence is evolving into new, more subtle forms—often less visible but equally harmful.
The Commonwealth stands firm against this trend. Guided by the principles enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter and reaffirmed by our heads of government, we remain committed to ensuring that gender equality becomes a lived reality rather than an abstract aspiration. The new Strategic Plan places gender considerations at the center of all our initiatives because justice, security, and development are impossible without it.
Across member countries, we are actively supporting activities that address the root causes of such violence. In those places where discriminatory laws hinder women from leaving abusive relationships or seeking justice, we engage national authorities and partner organizations in revising legal frameworks and establishing systems that truly protect survivors. In economies where the financial costs of violence remain hidden, we support governments in measuring losses so they can make a more persuasive case for investing in prevention and support programs.
We also recognize that economic dependence can trap women in cycles of abuse. That’s why we’re investing in skills development, entrepreneurship training, and women-led businesses, helping women gain financial independence and opportunities that can change the course of their lives. In policy spaces—from climate negotiations to democratic governance—alongside countries and partners, we work to ensure that women’s perspectives shape decisions affecting their lives. In civic spaces, where women’s participation is too often restricted or discouraged, we work to protect their right to voice their views, mobilize support, and lead without fear. These efforts have meaning, but none will ultimately succeed unless embedded in a more robust, unified global movement. In too many respects, violence against women is on the rise, and the backlash against gender equality grows louder. What the world needs now is renewed energy and collective determination strong enough to reverse these current trends and lock in enduring justice. We owe that determination not only to the countless women whose lives were cut short by violence but also to the millions who endure it silently every day. True safety for any woman exists only when all women are free from fear. That freedom must take root in our homes, our neighborhoods, our communities, and our nations.
