Violence against women cannot be justified and must be punished

8 March – International Women’s Day – is an opportunity to reflect on progress, to call for change, and to commemorate acts of courage and determination by women who have made a difference in their communities and countries. 

Yet violence against women remains one of the most widespread and persistent human rights abuses in the world, stemming from deep-rooted notions of women’s unequal status. As well as the deep suffering and harm caused to victims, violence against women leads to severe disruption to families, communities and societies, therefore harming far more than the immediate victims.

Violence against women is no longer viewed as an inevitable part of family life, of social relations, of the workplace or of war. Violence against women cannot be justified under any circumstances and must be punished.

There is nothing masculine about violence against women and girls. Men and boys - as partners and supporters - have a key responsibility and a crucial role to play as agents of social and cultural change. Let's all speak out against violence against women and girls.

Auðunn Atlason, Iceland’s Ambassador to the OSCE and the Chair of the OSCE MenEngage Network

 

The OSCE works with local initiatives and governments to improve opportunities for women in all our societies. In the videos below, learn about our work in Kyrgyzstan and Serbia on how we are working to empower vulnerable women.

Early marriage and human rights

Arranged marriages are still a reality for many young women in Kyrgyzstan. Large numbers of these marriages fall apart and women are often left alone, struggling to get by. The OSCE supports local organizations, including a network of Women’s Initiative Groups, which provide help and assistance for these women.

Support for victims of domestic violence

Women who are victims of domestic violence often do not know where to seek help. The OSCE Mission to Serbia supports Impuls, an organization based in Tutin, which works on the development of a free and open society, achieving equality between men and women in all spheres of private and public life and on the prevention and countering of all forms of violence and discrimination.