(Commonwealth_ On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we unite as a global community to reaffirm our commitment to ending violence against all women and girls. This day is a solemn reminder of our shared responsibility to eradicate one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide.
Despite notable progress, violence against women and girls remains a devastating reality. Globally, one in three women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. The Commonwealth reflects this troubling statistic. In fact, last year alone, every ten minutes, somewhere in the world, a woman was murdered by someone in her own family.
This violence is not merely a personal tragedy; it signifies profound structural failings that strip women and girls of their dignity, rights, and opportunities. Beyond the individual impact, this hidden pandemic destabilizes families, fractures communities, and undermines the social and economic foundations of societies.
The Global Challenge
Violence against women and girls is not an isolated issue—it is a societal crisis that demands urgent attention. Harmful attitudes and systemic inequalities embed its roots, while its consequences reverberate across all facets of life. It tears apart families, erodes trust, and stymies progress toward gender equality.
Moreover, the economic toll of violence is immense. The cost extends beyond medical and legal services to include lost productivity, reduced educational outcomes, and diminished social cohesion. Understanding and addressing these economic dimensions strengthens the case for prevention and accountability.
Solutions Are Possible
Despite these grim realities, violence against women is preventable. A different future is achievable through concerted effort, innovative solutions, and collective action. This conviction has guided my career. As a barrister, UK minister, and attorney general, I worked tirelessly to dismantle harmful attitudes and create systems to support victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and reduce violence. Judges, police officers, and first responders were essential allies in this mission, enabling more comprehensive and empathetic responses.
Empowering Action
The Commonwealth Say No More initiative equips governments, businesses, and individuals with culturally sensitive tools to challenge harmful behaviors, intervene in abusive situations, and support survivors. It underscores that ending violence is everyone’s business. Another critical step is understanding the economic cost of violence. To this end, we developed a groundbreaking tool to quantify the financial losses nations incur from failing to prevent violence. By providing evidence-based solutions, this tool supports governments in strengthening their prevention and intervention strategies. Seychelles and Lesotho have already employed this tool to bolster their efforts, demonstrating its potential for widespread impact.
Emerging Challenges
New challenges continue to emerge, threatening to undo progress. Crises such as conflict and climate change exacerbate existing inequalities, leaving women and girls more vulnerable to violence. This year’s theme, No Excuse, serves as a powerful reminder that there is no justification for violence and no excuse for inaction. Addressing this issue demands stronger laws, increased investment in prevention, robust survivor protection, and unwavering support for grassroots organizations driving change in their communities.
A Call to Action
On this day, as we honor the memory of femicide victims and stand in solidarity with survivors, we must recommit ourselves to action. The urgency of this crisis requires an all-encompassing approach that prioritizes dignity, safety, and peace within our homes and societies. Ending violence against women and girls is not just a moral imperative but a necessary step toward achieving peace and equality worldwide.
