Breaking the Silence: Empowering Young Women to End Gender-Based Violence

By Mwansa

February 2, 2024

From Young Women's Global Action Alliance

As we stand together as young women, we recognize that gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive and insidious threat to our well-being, our dignity, and our human rights. It's a harsh reality that affects millions of women and girls worldwide, often with devastating consequences.

*What is Gender-Based Violence?*

GBV refers to any form of violence, abuse, or harassment that is directed against a person because of their gender or perceived gender. This can include physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological violence, as well as economic exploitation and discrimination.

*The Alarming Statistics*

The numbers are staggering:

- 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime (WHO, 2013)

- 700 million women alive today were married as children, with many facing forced marriage, rape, and domestic violence (UNICEF, 2020)