Released on the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the report sheds light on the global crisis of femicide and calls for urgent action.
Posters made by children from Ixtapaluca, State of Mexico, alluding to the eradication of violence against women and girls.
Moving forward: A global mandate
As the world approaches the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025, coupled with the fast-approaching five-year deadline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 5 on gender equality, the report serves as a call to action.
“Violence against women and girls is not inevitable—it is preventable,” said Sima Bahous, UN Women Executive Director.
She emphasised the need for “robust legislation, improved data collection, greater government accountability, a zero-tolerance culture, and increased funding for women’s rights organizations and institutional bodies.”
“The new femicide report highlights the urgent need for strong criminal justice systems that hold perpetrators accountable, while ensuring adequate support for survivors, including access to safe and transparent reporting mechanisms,” added Ghada Waly, Executive Director of UNODC.
“As this year’s 16 Days of Activism Campaign begins, we must act now to protect women’s lives,” Ms. Bahous concluded.