It is a grim statistic, but one worth repeating: 1 in 3 women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. More often than not, the perpetrator is an intimate partner.  As long as girls and women fear for their safety, they cannot realize their full potential. And, as long as they cannot realize their full potential, attainment of any one of the Sustainable Development Goals will be impossible. Securing the dignity of girls and women rests upon eliminating the threat of gender-based violence and harmful practices everywhere.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a violation of human rights that transcends social, economic, and geographic borders, impacting individuals all over the world. It is fueled by multiple factors, including male dominance, social acceptance of harmful practices and insufficient legal protection. Policies and interventions aimed at combating GBV in its different forms--domestic violence, violence as a weapon of war, violence due to harmful traditional practices, violence against LGBTQ–people, violence as a criminal act­­–-require an integrated approach, as well as a context specific one.

This month we are highlighting initiatives and strategies that successfully address GBV. From understanding climate change’s contribution to early forced marriage in Bangladesh to addressing the social constructs that contribute to female genital mutilation, steps are being taken across the globe to address the underlying factors of GBV.  November 25^th is The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Use these resources to speak out on social media and continue the discussion. This November, join Women Deliver and take a stand against all forms of violence against women.