Violence against women is one of the most frequent human rights violations. Its rise is deeply concerning. One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, often by an intimate partner. On average, 133 women or girls are killed every day by their intimate partners or family members. Gender-based violence has profound and lasting physical, emotional, social, and economic impacts on survivors and their families. It is a major barrier for women and girls seeking lifesaving services during crises, conflicts, and disasters, and reinforces gender inequality. Empowering all women and girls, ensuring their full, equal, safe, and meaningful participation in all areas of life, is crucial for building just, inclusive, and sustainable societies. 

The gathering at the Palais des Nations on 25 November marked the start of the #ITakeMyHatOff campaign, an initiative to honour women and girls who have survived gender-based violence, those who continue to endure it, and those who have tragically lost their lives as a result. The campaign also recognises the tireless work of activists and advocates dedicated to ending violence against women and girls. During the participatory event, orange hats were distributed, and a group video was recorded of all participants symbolically taking off their hats as a sign of respect.

Opening the panel, Sofia Calltorp, Director of the UN Women Geneva Office, highlighted the alarming rise in violence against women and girls, stressing the urgent need for increased investment in solutions to ensure their protection worldwide.

In her opening remarks, Lotte Knudsen, the EU Ambassador to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva, underscored that gender-based violence is a human rights crisis rooted in societal power imbalances and harmful stereotypes, predominantly perpetrated by men. She highlighted its role as a significant barrier to peace and sustainable development and called for collective action to challenge stereotypes, support survivors, and advance gender equality, reaffirming the EU’s unwavering commitment to this cause.

“Gender-based violence is not inevitable. It is a choice, a behaviour, and a consequence of power imbalances deeply rooted in our societies.” Lotte Knudsen, EU Ambassador to the UN in Geneva

Ambassador Omar Zniber, President of the UN Human Rights Council, underscored that violence against women is a profound violation of human dignity and a threat to our shared values. He called on everyone to take a stand against this injustice, highlighting that addressing gender-based violence is essential to advancing human rights globally.

“Violence against women undermines our values. It harms human life and civilisation. It must be opposed by everyone.” Omar Zniber, President of the UN Human Rights Council

Tatiana Volovaya, Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, emphasised the need to honor survivors of gender-based violence and remember victims of femicide. She highlighted the vital role of organisations supporting women and girls in difficult situations and called for challenging harmful stereotypes to foster a more equitable society.

“We need not only to change the laws, but we also have to change our mindset.” Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN at Geneva

On 17 December 1999, the UN designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This year’s #OrangeTheWorld campaign hence marks its 25th anniversary. This day especially honours the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic, who were brutally murdered by order of the country’s ruler, Rafael Trujillo, on 25 November 1960.