It is perhaps very surprising to learn that a third of the women in the world experience physical or sexual violence. Perhaps not recognised in this way, but violence against women and girls is in fact a human rights issue and is in violation of the international convention of human rights. It is something all countries and governments should be aware of. The long term consequences of physical and sexual violence against women are devasting and too often result in death. It prevents women from fully participating in society and so impacts negatively not only on an individual’s well-being but also their community and country.
Laws have been passed in 155 countries making domestic violence a crime and 140 of those also have legislation against sexual harassment in the workplace. Challenges remain to enforce these laws and when doing so, limits women’s access to justice and as a result many violations go unpunished.
The United Nation’s Women Organisation campaigns to ensure a woman’s right to live free from violence
The United Nation’s Women Organisation campaigns to ensure a woman’s right to live free from violence; that aspiration is endorsed in many international agreements. It partners with governments, UN agencies civil society organisations and other institutions to find ways to prevent violence against women and girls, focusing on early education and encouraging respectful relationships with men and boys. Prevention is still seen as the best way to stop violence.
The UN Women Organisation has an ongoing campaign called UNITE, which was launched in 2008 to end violence against woman by 2030. Every year the UNITE Campaign focuses on a specific theme and this year’s is “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women” under #NoExcuse. It is also calling on governments worldwide to demonstrate how they are investing in the prevention of gender-based violence so that progress can be monitored more effectively.
Here we have focused solely on one aspect of the work that the UN Women organisation does, namely trying to end violence against women. This woman focused organisation carries out a host of other activities in supporting women throughout the world. These include advising women about how they can achieve economic empowerment, peace and security. Also, how women can lead and participate in politics and to support women and girls with disabilities. Plus, it takes on many other roles internationally in topics which affect women and girls worldwide. You can find out more about all its work at the UN Women website which can be found at:
Credit to The UN Women Organisation
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