UN Women South Sudan, in collaboration with key partners, launched impactful activities for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, emphasizing solidarity, policy action, and community engagement to eliminate violence against women and girls in South Sudan.

Despite considerable improvements in both the availability and use of data on violence against women and girls (VAWG) in recent years and the availability of data on intimate partner violence (IPV) for at least 161 countries, there are still gaps.

Abuk Deng, a 26-year-old mother and GBV survivor in Aweil West County, transforms from silence to advocacy through education and empowerment provided by HASS and UN Women, breaking cycles of traditional restrictions and inspiring change.

Perpetua Nziramasanga, a survivor of three abusive marriages, acknowledges the Spotlight Initiative programme for saving her fourth marriage. The programme, led by UN Women Zimbabwe and Caritas, educated men and women on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), gender equality, and women's empowerment. After participating in training, Perpetua and her family transformed their relationship, living peacefully for the first time.

UN Women Ethiopia is tackling the challenges posed by VAWG by strengthening, expanding, and standardizing essential services for survivors, including supporting the establishment of shelters, one-stop centers, and hotlines in various regions of Ethiopia, in alignment with the United Nations Global Essential Services Package.

“My name is Saba Gebre Medhin. I was born and raised in Addis Ababa by a strong single mother in a family of three girls and one boy, hence knowing that a woman is as strong as a man. I went to a private girls’ school, and I never understood the difference, the patriarchy. At a younger age, I was known for asking the ‘why?’ including for people’s right being violated."

Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, UN Women’s Deputy Executive Director for Normative Support, System Coordination, Programme Results had an official working visit to Ethiopia 27 October-08 November 2024. The objective of the visit was to take part in Beijing +30 Africa consultations and to learn about UN Women’s work in Ethiopia, both by Ethiopia Country Office and the Liaison office to the African Union and UNECA.

More than 100 Generation Equality leaders, commitment makers, and youth advocates played a pivotal role in the recent Beijing+30 Africa Review Meetings, shaping a transformative vision for women and girls across the continent.

UN Women Ethiopia is addressing the challenges posed by violence against women and girls by strengthening, expanding, and standardizing essential services for survivors. This includes supporting the establishment and strengthening of shelters and one-stop centers, supporting the justice system and the provision of free legal aid centers in various regions of Ethiopia, in alignment with the United Nations Global Essential Services Package for women subjected to violence. As part of a project supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) titled "Addressing the Effects of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) in Ethiopia," UN Women Ethiopia partnered with the Association for Women’s Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD) to provide shelter services that includes safe accommodation, individual and group counseling, medical care, legal support, skills training and facilitate economic opportunities and livelihood options for CRSV survivors and women affected by the conflict in Kombolcha town, Amhara Region.

According to the World Bank, at least two out of every five women and girls (42 per cent) in the region experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes. The data finds that the effects of gender-based violence (GBV) go beyond the survivors to negatively impact families and communities, even spanning generations.

To respond to the rising need, UN Women Sudan is working to protect women from violence and enhance access to justice in Blue Nile communities through a project supported by the Peace Building Fund (PBF). The project started in 2020 and has achieved great success, including empowering women, strengthening the link between women's issues and community concerns, and establishing women's protection networks registered at the Ministry of Welfare in three localities.

My name is Teresa Mugadza. Coming from Zimbabwe, I currently serve as Kenya Country Manager at the International Development Law Organization (IDLO). As a dedicated Generation Equality Commitment Maker and Leader, I am deeply committed to driving meaningful change for women all over the world.

I am Generation Equality because… I believe in the power of inclusion, shared vision, and long-term commitment to change. My name is Thina Maphosa from Yes Trust Zimbabwe. Yes Trust is a youth-focused organization working to promote social change around issues of gender equality, sexual reproductive health and rights, youth participation in governance, and safe migration.

In Tanzania, despite significant strides achieved through robust legal frameworks and policies, one in three women and girls continue to face physical, sexual, or other forms of abuse. With support from UN Women, community volunteers are working with the Ministry of Gender in Zanzibar to strengthen coordinated efforts to promote women’s rights and address violence against women and children.

I am generation equality because… I strongly believe that grassroots women have the knowledge and strength to lead in climate action and inspire a more sustainable, just world.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 25th November 2024, UN Women and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will launch the Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Female Intimate Partner/Family Member Homicides report with latest data on femicides, the intentional killing of women. Globally, a woman was killed every 10 minutes in 2023.

During the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, Generation Equality is celebrating commitment makers that are driving action to end gender-based violence. WiLDAF Tanzania, stands at the forefront of an inspiring journey to eradicate gender-based violence and empower women and girls nationwide.

I believe that every young woman has the power to shape a future that is fair, inclusive, and sustainable. My name is Councilor Michelle Murinda, Government Official and Representative of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN).

In 2024, Burundi’s youth are a powerful force for transformation, making up nearly 60% of the population. This young generation holds immense potential to shape the nation’s future through education, entrepreneurship, health initiatives and civic leadership.

I am Generation Equality because… I believe in a world where every woman, girl, and person - regardless of gender - has equal opportunities and lives a dignified and safe life.