UN, U.S. urge alliance in curbing violence against women

UNITED Nations (UN) and the United States have stressed the need for collaboration in the fight to end violence against women.
  In a statement to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the 16 Days of Activism, the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, said America had renewed its commitment to preventing and responding to all forms of gender-based violence while calling on the international community to join in a collective strengthening of the efforts.
  He explained that through the United States, Safe from the Start ReVisioned initiative, gender-based violence prevention, risk mitigation and response efforts were being prioritised, improved upon and expanded.
  He said that in 2024, the United States government provided more than $273 million in funding for gender-based violence prevention and response in emergencies.   
  “This work matters to every survivor, to every individual facing gender-based violence, and to every global citizen striving to create a world that is peaceful and prosperous. The United States will continue to collaborate with partner governments, civil society, and survivors to achieve meaningful progress,” he said.
  United States Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said one in three women worldwide, had been subjected to gender-based violence.
  “From Afghanistan to Sudan, Haiti to the Democratic Republic of Congo, conflict and crises around the world continue to exacerbate pre-existing inequalities that increase the risk of GBV,” she said.  
  According to her, unfortunately, less than half of women, who experience GBV seek help, formally or informally, often to the detriment of their mental and physical health, as well as the economic prospects of their families and communities.
  To address individual and societal costs of gender-based violence, she called on governments to support comprehensive interventions.
  Administrator, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Samantha Power, stated that UN Women estimated that every 11 minutes, a woman is killed; every eight minutes, a girl is subjected to female genital mutilation or cutting; and every three seconds, a girl is married before the age of 18.
  
She noted that harm to women and girls had become a common occurrence, with some acts of violence taking place as frequently as the blinking of one’s eyes.
  She stressed that in responding to surging global humanitarian needs, USAID had more than doubled the percentage of its humanitarian budget allocated to protecting children and responding to GBV.