International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. We would like to show our support for this cause that is being commemorated world wide by sharing some facts and figures from the UN, since there are no local statistics to this effect.

According to facts and figures released by the UN on ending the violence against women:

“It is estimated that 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non-partner (not including sexual harassment) at some point in their lives. However, some national studies show that up to 70 per cent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. Evidence shows that women who have experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence report higher rates of depression, having an abortion and acquiring HIV, compared to women who have not.” 

This is the latest UN report on violence against women. Please take the time to read it, in order to understand the gravity, but also the complexity of this issue. Violence affecting women is not just femicide. It includes other pernicious forms such as economic violence in the form of pay discrimination and glass ceilings, sexual violence in the form of rape and harassment, and political violence in the form of denial of basic rights and political underrepresentation.

Locally, many women fear to report violence due to a system that further victimises the sufferer, and continue to suffer economic discrimination as shown by our alarming gender pay gap statistics.

Together Gibraltar realises that to prevent violence we must improve social and economic equality structures in our society. Equal pay, accessible and fair priced housing and emergency policies are essential. Measures such as fair and flexible employment, as well as more education and training for women and girls are long overdue. Until these inequalities are addressed women will continue to be at risk of abuse and violence.

We encourage the current administration to legislate to end all forms of violence against women and girls, and to create campaigns to change attitudes to gender violence in an effective way.

It is important we all have the courage to speak out about all forms of violence and their consequences. In a society where most woman and girls have experienced gender-driven violence of some type, it is imperative that leaders realise the gravity of this issue, and make the safety of our women and girls a priority once and for all.

For more information please visit the UN Women website section on violence against women.