16 Days of Activism: Uniting Against Gender-Based Violence

Globally, one in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence. Behind that grim statistic are the stories of countless women and girls whose rights have been violated. Through our latest Gender Equality Data Collaborative (GEDC) Data Sprint, nearly 1,700 women and girls across eight African countries bravely shared their stories. Sixty-seven percent reported past physical violence, and 40 percent reported having survived sexual violence.

They also told us what they need most right now: employment and economic opportunities, access to mental health care, legal support, confidential health services, and safe shelter. The GEDC is made up of local grassroots organizations that are best positioned to deliver these essential services. Our mission is to strengthen member organizations’ capacity through tools, data, and partnerships.

The VAWG Data Sprint enabled our members to collect data that reflects the realities of women and girls in their own communities. We now aim to build on that foundation and further strengthen their ability to respond to those needs. We are working closely with participating organizations to develop plans to leverage the Data Sprint results for the programs they deliver.

Please take the time to explore our dashboard to hear directly from the women and girls themselves. The GEDC operates entirely without dedicated funding at present. If you are able, please consider donating today so we can continue this life-changing work.

References:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women