Costs & Consequences of Violence Against Women Last for Generations – We’re Working to #EndGBV Worldwide

Photo credit: Dawn Greensides/WITS RHI

Geneva, Switzerland
November 29, 2016

The U.S. Mission in Geneva and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) join the international community in commemorating 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which began on Friday, November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and ends on December 10 (International Human Rights Day). This year’s theme is “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Make Education Safe for All.”

In collaboration with our partners, USAID works to eliminate gender-based violence and secure educational opportunities for girls across the globe. Gender-based violence undermines the health, security and dignity of women and girls, increasing their vulnerability to HIV, sexually transmitted infections, unsafe pregnancies and mental health issues. Education is crucial to lifting people out of poverty, improving living standards and quality of life, and reducing health and safety risks. For instance, more than half of the reduction in child deaths since 1970 can be linked to the increased educational attainment of reproductive-age women. However, many women and girls around the world still face difficulties in accessing education safely. During these 16 days, let us reflect and act collectively to end gender-based violence, helping ensure that people around the world can reach their full potential and lead healthy, prosperous lives.

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