A Global Call to Action: Confronting the Rising Violence Against Women

As we observe Women’s History Month, a time meant for celebrating the achievements of women worldwide, it is impossible to ignore the troubling reality that violence against women is on the rise. The United Nations has reported an alarming increase in assaults against women, with more women being killed by intimate partners and more suffering violence in conflict zones than ever before. In a world where women have fought for decades for equality, it is disheartening to see hard-won gains met with backlash. This moment demands global reflection and urgent action.

The statistics are staggering. In 2023 alone, an estimated 51,100 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members, amounting to 140 lives lost every day. This represents a sharp increase from the previous year, confirming that for many women, the greatest threat to their safety is not found in the streets but within their own homes. Beyond domestic violence, war and conflict have proven even more devastating for women, with the number of women killed in war zones nearly doubling. The UN has documented a 50% rise in conflict-related sexual violence over the last year, highlighting the vulnerability of women in regions torn apart by war.

These numbers are more than statistics; they are a grim reflection of a world that has failed to protect women. The persistence of gender-based violence is rooted in a global system of inequality, where patriarchal power structures normalize abuse and silence survivors. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly warned that women’s rights are under attack, calling for a renewed commitment to gender equality. He has pointed out that gender equality is fundamentally a question of power, and as long as patriarchal control remains intact, the safety and rights of women will continue to be undermined.

This erosion of women’s rights is evident across the world. In the United States, the overturning of Roe v. Wade has severely restricted access to reproductive healthcare, marking a significant setback for women’s bodily autonomy. In Russia, domestic violence laws have been blocked or watered down, reinforcing a culture of impunity for abusers. In countries across the globe, efforts to push for gender equity are met with resistance, as ultraconservative movements seek to roll back progress. The backlash is not just about individual policies but a broader effort to reassert male dominance and restrict women’s freedom.

The problem is further exacerbated by the normalization of misogyny in online spaces, where the “manosphere” fosters dangerous narratives that encourage violence against women. High-profile figures with millions of followers actively promote anti-feminist ideologies, influencing young men to see gender equality as a threat. Jackson Katz, a leading educator in gender violence prevention, has argued that violence against women is not solely a women’s issue—it is a men’s issue as well. Men must be part of the solution, speaking out against sexist behavior and challenging the attitudes that contribute to violence.

While these challenges are daunting, this moment also presents an opportunity to recommit to the fight for women’s rights. Governments must take decisive action to strengthen legal protections, hold perpetrators accountable, and fund support services for survivors. Civil society organizations must continue pushing for gender-sensitive policies and demanding accountability from leaders who fail to act. 

And on an individual level, people of all genders must challenge the harmful norms that allow violence to persist.

Women’s History Month is more than a time for celebration—it is a call to action. The rise in violence against women, the erosion of reproductive rights, and the broader backlash against gender equality must not be met with silence. The world must stand in solidarity with women and take bold steps to ensure their safety, dignity, and equality. The fight is far from over, but with collective action, we can hope to see a future where women’s rights are not just protected, but fully realized.