Putting an end to violence against women and girls
Written by James Beiny, ESG Manager
On Monday 25 November 2024, the world commemorated the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Observed annually on 25 November, it is designed to raise awareness of the widespread and devastating impact of violence against women and girls. Marking 25 years of tribute, it serves as a stark reminder to us all that millions of women and girls are victims of violence.
Globally, approximately one in three women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their lives. This statistic is not just a number; it represents the suffering, trauma and long-term consequences that many women endure every day. In 2023 alone, at least 51,100 women were murdered by their partners or family members; this means that, on average, a woman was killed every 10 minutes*. Strikingly, the issue has intensified in certain environments, such as online spaces and the workplace, and has been exacerbated by climate change and geopolitical conflicts.
In England and Wales, violence against women and girls is highly pervasive. One in 12 women are victims of stalking, harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence and other crimes, with a 37% increase in recorded offences between 2018 and 2023; today, there are roughly 3,000 offences against women and girls recorded every day across England and Wales**. Disturbingly, perpetrators are getting younger, signalling a shift in the demographic of those who perpetrate gender-based violence.
Ward is making every effort to help eradicate violence against women and girls in the UK. By collaborating with a wide range of organisations, such as TINYg, the police and other law enforcement agencies, Ward is playing an active role in raising awareness of the issue. Ward’s Executive Director, Paul Harvey, is a regular keynote speaker at events hosted by TINYg, which are designed to equip businesses with the tools to address this critical issue in the workplace and make a meaningful impact. In addition, one of our security managers, Michelle Long, is an ambassador for White Ribbon UK. This charity aims to prevent violence against women and girls by addressing the root causes of the problem: engaging men and boys to challenge harmful attitudes, systems and behaviours that perpetuate inequality and violence.
Eliminating violence against women and girls is not a task that can be achieved by any single entity. It requires a collective, global effort that involves governments, businesses, civil society and individuals. As we mark the 25th year of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, let us reaffirm our commitment to ending violence against women in all its forms, ensuring that women and girls everywhere can live free from fear, abuse and discrimination. The time to act is now.
*United Nations. Ending violence against women day. Available at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day
**The Guardian. Violence against women a ‘national emergency’ in England and Wales, police say. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jul/23/violence-against-women-national-emergency-england-wales-police
