Why is violence against women and girls such a problem?

A third of all women and girls face violence in their lifetime. It’s one of the most widespread violations of human rights, and it robs women of control over their bodies and lives. This doesn’t just hold back the women it affects — it holds back their families and communities too. Women living in poverty and those facing other forms of discrimination are often at even greater risk.

How do we end violence against women?

Violence against women is preventable. Research shows the vital work of independent women’s rights organisations is the single most effective way to create the real change that will bring down violence against women.1 These organisations are critical drivers of women’s movements and wider social movements, with extensive knowledge and experience in ending gender discrimination and creating positive changes in women’s lives.

But they are critically underfunded, receiving just less than 1% of UK aid funds committed for gender equality.

We recognise the crucial role that these organisations play, and we work with them in many countries to provide funding, training and support. We fight for more funding for these groups from donors and governments, so that they can do what they do best: bring down violence against women, for good.

What can I do to end violence against women?

You can stand with the fearless women leading the struggle against gender-based violence. Become an ActionAid campaigner now to join the fight.

• 1. Fearless: Standing with women and girls to end violence (2015) ↩