Republished with full copyright permissions from The Boston News Tribune.

As the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women approaches, the European Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President have reinforced their commitment to combat all forms of violence inflicted upon women and girls. In a recent statement, they underlined the necessity of protecting women’s rights, highlighting the devastating impact of violence on individuals and society as a whole. This blog post delves into the importance of ending violence against women and the urgent need to ensure justice for victims and survivors.

A Global Threat:
The rights of women and girls worldwide have encountered formidable challenges, undermining the progress made over decades in the fight for gender equality. Violence, in its various manifestations, permeates their lives, inhibiting their growth and thwarting their potential. The European Union (EU), unequivocally voicing its stand against such acts, emphasizes that violence against women and girls is an affliction suffered by every society.

Alarming Statistics:
The gravity of the situation is starkly evident when confronted with the statistics: one in three women, both in the EU and globally, have experienced physical or sexual violence. This includes instances of abuse, harassment, rape, sexual exploitation, genital mutilation, forced marriage, and femicide. These distressing numbers encapsulate the invisible despair many women and girls silently endure.

Beyond Gender Equality:
The fight against violence must extend beyond the pursuit of gender equality; it must encompass the core value of upholding basic human rights. The recognition of violence against women as a scar on society necessitates a united effort to eradicate it. Every woman and girl has the inherent right to live free from fear, oppression, and violence. Their protection becomes a collective responsibility, demanding the swift apprehension and punishment of perpetrators.

Support for Victims and Survivors:
In the face of adversity, the EU stands resolute in providing unwavering support to women and girls who have suffered from violence. Acknowledging them as victims and survivors, the European Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President reject the use of sexual and gender-based violence as a weapon of war. They comprehend the long-lasting toll on physical, psychological, and emotional well-being, and emphasize the significance of healing wounds with compassion and justice.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women serves to remind us of the pressing need to address and combat this pervasive issue. The European Union, steadfast in its commitment to protect women and girls, stresses that ending violence against them is not merely a quest for gender equality but a fundamental pursuit of basic human rights. By bringing perpetrators to justice and fostering a society that rejects violence in all its forms, we can create a world where women can live without fear, where their resilience can flourish, and where their rights are safeguarded.