Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Unite to End Violence Against Women

As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the global community stands united in reaffirming its commitment to ending violence against women and girls (VAWG). This landmark framework, adopted in 1995, remains the most comprehensive agenda for advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. However, three decades on, the journey is far from over. Violence against women continues to be one of the most pervasive human rights violations, exacerbated by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and armed conflicts.

This year, World Vision Southern Africa commemorates the 16 Days of Activism by marking key days dedicated to uplifting vulnerable communities, especially women and girls. This milestone anniversary provides a critical opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain. Governments, civil society, and international organizations must work together to accelerate transformative actions. Efforts must prioritize addressing root causes of gender-based violence, dismantling discriminatory norms, and empowering women economically, socially, and politically. Initiatives such as the Spotlight Initiative and UNiTE Campaign have shown that collaboration across sectors can drive impactful change. Scaling up these efforts is essential to achieving the ambitious goals of the Beijing Declaration, especially for the most vulnerable women and girls.

Ending violence against women is not just a policy imperative—it is a moral and social responsibility. As we unite under the banner of the Beijing Declaration’s 30-year vision, let us amplify the voices of survivors, foster stronger partnerships, and ensure that no woman or girl is left behind. Together, we can create a world where every woman lives free from fear and thrives with dignity and equal opportunity.