World must commit to ending gender-based violence: UN Deputy Secretary-General

Doha: United Nations Deputy Secretary General H E Amina J. Mohammed yesterday launched the new UN Spotlight Initiative impact report titled Beyond Pr...

Doha: United Nations Deputy Secretary-General H E Amina J. Mohammed yesterday launched the new UN Spotlight Initiative impact report titled “Beyond Progress: Securing gains to end violence against women and girls”, a landmark report that highlights the achievements of the UN’s Spotlight Initiative and calls for renewed global commitment to ending gender-based violence. The report was launched on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, underscoring the central role of women’s safety and empowerment in achieving sustainable development.

Addressing world leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives, Mohammed said the report serves as both a celebration of progress and a call to action.

“We have made significant strides, but the gains are fragile,” she warned. “Ending violence against women and girls is not optional — it is essential to achieving peace, democracy, and sustainable development.” The UN Deputy Secretary General noted that every significant crisis currently confronting the world, ranging from climate change to conflicts and poverty, is interconnected with violence against women and girls.

She underscored that the initiative aims to enhance protection from violence and empower women by assisting governments in formulating gender-sensitive laws, policies, and institutions. She further noted that the initiative prioritises the prevention of violence, the provision of high-quality services to survivors, and the assurance of accountability for offenders, all under the guidance of civil society.

This strategy is projected to avert approximately 21 million women and girls from experiencing violence by the end of this year.