WHO launches 16 days of activism to end violence against women
The World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Regional Director, Saima Wazed, has launched a major new campaign aimed at eliminating gender-based violence (GBV) across the region. The initiative, marking the start of the 16 Days of Activism, aligns with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 and will continue until December 10, concluding on International Human Rights Day.
This year’s campaign holds added significance as it coincides with the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPOA), which will be reviewed in March 2025 at the Commission on the Status of Women. Signed by 189 countries in 1995, the BPOA remains the most comprehensive global policy framework to advance women’s rights and gender equality.
Speaking at the campaign launch, Wazed emphasized the importance of reflecting on both the progress made and the ongoing challenges in the fight against violence. “As we approach the Beijing +30 Global Review, we must address the barriers that continue to hinder the elimination of violence against women and girls,” she said. “The 16 Days of Activism is a critical opportunity to amplify our collective efforts to end GBV in all its forms—whether in private, public, workplace, or online settings.”
The campaign also focuses on the specific needs of women and girls in humanitarian emergencies. Wazed highlighted that women in conflict zones or disaster-stricken areas are especially vulnerable to GBV. “With ongoing global crises, this year’s campaign is particularly focused on addressing the needs of women and girls in humanitarian settings,” she added.
GBV encompasses various forms of abuse, including intimate partner violence, early marriage, workplace harassment, and digital violence. These acts of violence often escalate during times of conflict, disease outbreaks, or natural disasters, with women and girls in refugee camps or areas with limited mobility at heightened risk. According to the WHO, the physical and mental health impacts of GBV are profound, leading to injuries, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), depression, and post-traumatic stress. Lack of adequate healthcare for survivors further exacerbates their challenges, hindering their socio-economic development.
While progress has been made in some areas, Wazed acknowledged the gaps that remain. Several countries, including India, Thailand, and Indonesia, have passed important laws to protect women from domestic violence and sexual violence. In addition, nations like Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand have established One-Stop Centres and helplines to assist survivors of GBV. Despite these efforts, Wazed stressed that the problem persists on a global scale. “An estimated 736 million women experience physical or sexual intimate partner violence at least once in their lifetime,” she noted.
The WHO South-East Asia Region is particularly vulnerable to GBV, given its susceptibility to natural hazards and conflicts. To tackle these issues, Wazed outlined a “4P approach,” which focuses on Promoting investment in women and girls, Providing access to essential services, Protecting marginalized populations, and Performing by ensuring the availability of disaggregated data to drive effective healthcare systems.
The WHO’s technical frameworks, such as the RESPECT framework for GBV and INNOV8 for health equity, are crucial tools in addressing these challenges, restoring women’s health, and ensuring lasting change. WHO is also collaborating with multiple partners in the region to implement initiatives like Spotlight 2.0, a program designed to end violence against women.
“As we approach the Beijing +30 Global Review, achieving progress requires collaboration and targeted efforts, especially in conflict- and hazard-prone regions,” Wazed concluded. “WHO South-East Asia is committed to fostering regional cooperation by bringing together governments, international organizations, civil society, and communities. Together, we can create a future where women and girls are healthy, safe, and empowered—forming the foundation of resilient societies both today and in the future.”
