On November 25th, the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address gender-based violence. This year’s theme, "Every 10 Minutes, a Woman is Killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women," highlights the shocking reality of femicide and the pressing need for action.

Every 10 minutes, a woman loses her life to violence, underscoring the importance of raising awareness, challenging harmful behaviours, and advocating for systemic change. This day serves as a call to unite in providing support for survivors, promoting justice, and dismantling the structures that allow such violence to persist.

Let us stand together to end this crisis and ensure a future where all women and girls can live with dignity, safety, and equality.

The alarming truth - Violence against women

Violence against women remains a deeply entrenched issue, with this year’s theme, "Every 10 Minutes, a Woman is Killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women," highlighting the urgent need for action.

This pervasive violence stems from unequal power dynamics, harmful stereotypes, and systemic discrimination. It continues to thrive in silence and impunity, perpetuating cycles of harm. Now more than ever, we must work collectively to break the silence, support survivors, and challenge the systems that allow this injustice to persist.

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The fight to end femicide

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women stands as a critical moment to address the crisis reflected in this year’s theme: "Every 10 Minutes, a Woman is Killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women." This day underscores the urgency of global action to combat violence against women through:

• Raising awareness - Highlighting the staggering prevalence of femicide and other forms of violence against women, this day challenges societal silence, fosters understanding, and sparks meaningful conversations to drive change.
• Advocacy - It is a platform for demanding systemic change, from legislative reforms and stronger protections to ensuring perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
• Support for survivors - The day reinforces the importance of accessible services for survivors, including shelters, counselling, legal support, and healthcare, to aid recovery and empowerment.

This is not just a day of reflection—it is a call to unite and act against the epidemic of violence, ensuring a safer and more just world for all women and girls.

Organisations leading the fight to end femicide

These organisations are leading the fight to end violence against women and support survivors:

• UN Women - Leading international initiatives to combat violence against women, UN Women drives policy changes, awareness campaigns, and global partnerships to promote gender equality and end femicide.
• Amnesty International - Advocating for human rights, Amnesty campaigns against gender-based violence and discrimination, demanding justice and accountability for victims of femicide and other abuses.
• Women's Aid - Providing life-saving support and refuge for survivors of domestic violence in the UK, Women’s Aid also works to prevent violence and empower women to rebuild their lives.
• Refuge - Offering safe shelter, advocacy, and support services for women and children facing abuse, Refuge plays a vital role in protecting survivors and raising awareness about femicide.
• White Ribbon UK - Engaging men and boys in the fight against violence, White Ribbon UK uses education and campaigns to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate femicide and gender-based violence.

These organisations are vital in the global movement to challenge injustice, support survivors, and create a safer world for women and girls. Together, their efforts reflect the power of collective action in addressing this urgent crisis.

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Key facts and statistics

• In 2024, the World Health Organisation reported that 1 in 3 women globally have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.
• According to global data in 2024, a woman is killed every 10 minutes as a result of gender-based violence, emphasising the crisis of femicide.
• In 2024, gender-based violence remains a broad issue, including not just physical abuse but also emotional, sexual, and financial coercion, alongside harmful practices such as forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).

Conclusion

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2024 is more than a day of recognition; it is a powerful call to action to address the stark reality that violence against women continues to devastate lives worldwide. With a woman killed every 10 minutes due to gender-based violence, this year's focus on femicide highlights the critical need for awareness, advocacy, and support for survivors.

As we stand at this pivotal moment, it is our collective responsibility to break the silence, challenge harmful norms, and demand systemic change. By raising awareness, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable, we can dismantle the structures that perpetuate this violence.

The fight to end violence against women is not just about addressing the present but securing a safer, more equitable future for all women and girls. Together, we can create a world where every woman lives with dignity, safety, and equality. Let us act now—because there are no excuses.

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