Violence against women is everyone’s problem

That is why today the European Union (EU) is celebrating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Defined by the United Nations as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women,” violence against women finds expression in many forms. It can range from female genital mutilation to female trafficking, and from domestic violence to child marriage.

In the EU, a third of women have experienced physical or sexual violence since the age of 15. Meanwhile, 75 per cent of women in a professional job or in top managerial positions have experienced sexual harassment.

It is estimated that 500,000 women and girls in the EU have suffered female genital mutilation.

Just as the EU in not immune to the pandemic, nor is TT . In 2015, there were 625 reported instances of crimes related to sexual assault and domestic violence in the country.

This represents a welcome decrease from 825 in 2014 but an increase from the 2013 figure of 551.

Children are not exempt and the Children’s Authority reported 4,158 cases of children in need of care and protection within its first nine months of operation. Of these cases, the highest reported types of abuse related to sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect.

It is a shared problem that demands shared solutions. It is true that the silence surrounding violence against women and children has been broken and it is increasingly being viewed as unacceptable. But that is only the start. Regardless of this shift in global attitudes, the issue remains a universal scourge. Solid action is needed.

Collectively, we must address the root causes of gender violence, understanding it as a brutal expression of gender inequality and systemic discrimination. Evidence shows that where the “gender gap” is greatest, women are more likely to be subjected to violence. As such, a comprehensive approach that enhances women’s rights in education, healthcare, economic participation, and representation in politics is necessary.

Gender equality and ending violence against women is in everyone’s interests. Not simply a human rights imperative, it is a long-term investment for governments.

A McKinsey Global Institute report found that by advancing women’s equality, US$12 trillion could be added to the global GDP by 2025.

Investing in preventing and ending violence against women is also a requirement for sustainable development.

We simply can’t be achieving the best we could be if half of every village and every town is left out of the debate. As US President Barack Obama said: “If half of your team is not playing, you’ve got a problem.

And in too many countries, half of the team — our women and girls — are not participating enough in this.” The EU is taking concrete actions globally to address the issue of violence against women and gender equality. We have created a ten-million- euro fund specifically to promote gender equality across the world. In addition to this, we will be promoting women and girls in all elements of our external activities whether they relate to environment, crime and security, or economic support.

In TT , we directly fund a number of NGOs doing pioneering work to tackle these issues and this year we were delighted to announce another round of funding. We will continue to work tirelessly with all elements of society to promote gender-equality.

Together, our efforts must be relentless. I say “No” to violence against women. Please join me.

AREND BIESEBROEK ambassador EU Delegation to TT