A Global Call to End Violence Against Women: Stories of Struggle and Hope from Guinea-Bissau to Azerbaijan

November 25 – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – marks the start of a 16-day campaign of activism, culminating on December 10 – Human Rights Day. This campaign serves as a global platform calling for an end to violence against women, featuring awareness initiatives, legal reform proposals, and public campaigns.

“If we do not ensure full participation of women, our revolution will never succeed.”

(Independence leader Amílcar Cabral)

December 10, Human Rights Day, is the final day of the campaign. On this day, the documentary Unite for Bissau was screened at the Ritual Theater, addressing both human rights and the challenges and achievements of women. The film tells the story of women in Guinea-Bissau, a West African country, highlighting struggles for gender equality, the fight against female genital mutilation, and resistance to violence by men. It also sheds light on Guinea-Bissau's colonial history, its fight for independence, and the ongoing effects of that struggle. Challenges in education, healthcare, and the economy are explored, while the film vividly portrays the lives of women working in different fields, reflecting their daily battles and hopes for the future. Statistical data provided in the film proved useful for viewers.

Despite being filmed in different cities and countries, the showcased documentaries share common themes, revealing similar or identical problems in various forms. Unite for Bissau is more than just a documentary; it aims to introduce the world to the lives of the people of Guinea-Bissau and mobilize international efforts to solve the country’s issues. The film emphasizes the importance of unity by celebrating cultural diversity and social harmony. It has been screened at international festivals, receiving high praise from critics, and has attracted the attention of humanitarian organizations, serving as a platform for calls to provide aid to Guinea-Bissau. This film is considered a significant step in fostering solidarity and understanding among communities.

Globally, nearly 12 million girls are forced into marriage before the age of 18 every year, according to UNICEF. These cases are primarily the result of harmful traditional practices and are mostly observed in Africa, the Middle East, and some Asian countries. Additionally, approximately 4 million women and girls are at risk of genital mutilation annually.

Awareness Efforts Grow, but Gender-Based Violence Persists

Gender-based violence remains a severe global problem, as reflected in alarming statistics. Worldwide, one in three women experiences physical and/or sexual violence during their lifetime, often at the hands of intimate partners or family members. In 2023, over 51,000 women were killed by their partners or relatives, equating to one woman being killed every ten minutes due to gender-based violence. Furthermore, younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are increasingly exposed to technology-based violence (source). According to UN Women, one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in her lifetime.

Rising Femicide Rates

In Azerbaijan, femicide statistics vary across sources. According to the General Prosecutor’s Office, 39 women were killed as a result of domestic violence in the first nine months of 2024. However, independent monitors report higher figures: the Femicide Azerbaijan platform documented 64 murders, while the Clean World Women’s Aid Center recorded 71. The majority of these killings occurred within familial or intimate relationships, with domestic conflicts cited as the leading cause.

This year’s campaign, dedicated to combating violence against women, was held under the theme “Making the Digital World Safe for Women!” Various events were organized to address this theme.

Technology as a Tool for Harm

UNFPA Azerbaijan highlights that 85% of women globally have either been subjected to technology-facilitated violence or have witnessed it inflicted on other women. Additionally, 57% of women globally have had their online videos or images misused or distorted.

Reevaluating Problems and Seeking Solutions

Organizations such as Gender Hub Azerbaijan, the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children’s Affairs, and Women’s Crisis Centers, along with international entities like UN Women, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Oxfam International, conducted various online awareness sessions during the campaign. They proposed new plans and measures to improve the situation. Additional activities included film screenings, exhibitions, and social media campaigns to raise awareness among women.

These efforts extended beyond Baku to Azerbaijan’s regions, positively impacting women living in areas with limited access to information.

Over these 16 days, the world gains an opportunity to learn more about the stories and perspectives of women from diverse backgrounds. Understanding these stories better equips specialists to provide effective support and expand avenues for assistance.