In commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the United States, through a press statement by the Secretary of State, reaffirms its dedication to leveraging policy and diplomatic resources to prevent and respond to gender-based violence globally.
The U.S. commitment involves aligning with the updated 2022 U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally.
This strategy is reinforced by tangible, survivor-centered actions, utilizing the $250 million in foreign assistance allocated by Congress in Fiscal Year 2023 for initiatives aimed at preventing and addressing gender-based violence.
Notably, the Department has recently granted a $3 million program to combat technology-facilitated gender-based violence in South and Central Asia.
Recognizing the pervasive nature of gender-based violence, affecting countries, societies, and socioeconomic groups worldwide, the United States emphasizes collaborative efforts with its partners.
The nation’s goal is to contribute to a future devoid of gender-based violence through ongoing initiatives and dedicated resources.
USAID Administrator Samantha Power Addresses Urgent Need to Combat Violence Against Women on International Day
In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Samantha Power, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), highlights the alarming global statistics surrounding gender-based violence. With one in three women experiencing physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime and over 640 million women and girls married before the age of 18, the urgency to address this pervasive issue is emphasized.
Administrator Power draws attention to the often overlooked and underreported crime of conflict-related sexual violence, citing instances in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where armed groups exploit the escalating conflict to prey on women and girls. She underscores the invisible nature of these crimes, with estimates indicating that for every reported rape in connection with a conflict, 10 to 20 cases go undocumented.
The statement marks the commencement of the annual global advocacy campaign, “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” running through Human Rights Day on December 10. This year’s theme, “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls,” emphasizes the collective responsibility to safeguard the fundamental right to safety for women and girls.
Administrator Power acknowledges the multifaceted impact of gender-based violence on various aspects of women’s lives, including mental and physical health, education, and employment opportunities. She stresses that gender-based violence serves as a significant barrier to the civic, social, political, legal, and economic participation of women and girls globally.
Furthermore, the statement highlights the amplified scale, speed, and reach of gender-based violence facilitated by digital technologies. Administrator Power notes the specific risks faced by women public figures, journalists, and individuals from historically marginalized communities, including persons with disabilities, and racial, ethnic, or religious minorities.
Within USAID, efforts to reduce, prevent, and address gender-based violence are ongoing, particularly in conflict areas where the protection of women and girls is a key humanitarian priority. The agency also works to advance the safe participation of women and girls in political, peacebuilding, and transition processes. Administrator Power highlights USAID’s contributions to the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse, focusing on preventing technology-facilitated gender-based violence targeting women in politics and public life.
As the 16 Days of Activism commence, Administrator Power urges a collective recommitment to addressing gender-based violence and protecting the essential right of women and girls to participate fully and safely in society.
