Op-ed: Time to Act Now: Ending Violence Against Women in the Pacific

“Every 11 minutes, a woman is killed”

Globally, every 11 minutes, a woman is killed—an alarming and heart-wrenching statistic that underscores the global epidemic of gender-based violence (GBV). The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed on November 25, reminds us of this crisis and challenges us to act with urgency. This day also launches the annual 16 Days of Activism, calling for a united stand to confront violence against women and girls.

Violence against women remains a staggering global injustice. One in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence, usually at the hands of an intimate partner. These are not just numbers; they represent the lived experiences of women—daughters, mothers, friends—whose safety, dignity, and potential are stolen by violence.

The Pacific paints an even grimmer picture. Violence against women and girls here is among the highest in the world—double the global average. This violence tears at the fabric of our communities, undermines development, and stifles our collective efforts to address critical challenges like the climate crisis. How can we truly achieve sustainable development when half the population faces such profound threats to their well-being and rights?

The Urgency for Change

This year's UNITE Campaign amplifies a powerful message: the time for complacency and empty promises has passed. To end violence against women, we must confront its root causes—harmful social norms, entrenched gender inequalities, and systems of impunity that allow perpetrators to escape accountability.

In the Pacific, systemic change begins with coordinated, survivor-centered responses. Governments must establish and fund comprehensive, multi-sectoral mechanisms to address GBV. Essential services—healthcare, legal aid, psychosocial support, and safe shelters—must be accessible and adequately resourced. Yet, services alone are not enough. We must also dismantle societal norms that condone violence and cultivate a culture of equality and respect.

In the Pacific, the EU-funded UN Spotlight Initiative, launched in 2020, focused on country-specific commitments to end domestic and intimate partner violence across the Pacific. Implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women, UNFPA, and IOM, the Initiative in the Pacific supported the strengthening of laws, policies, and institutional capacities aligned with international human rights standards. It promoted behavior change to tackle harmful social norms, empowered women’s organizations and civil society, and enhanced survivor-centered support services, including legal aid, healthcare, and safe spaces. The initiative focused on evidence-based approaches by improving data collection and analysis while addressing the unique cultural contexts of Pacific Island nations. Through regional collaboration and community engagement, it fostered sustainable, inclusive solutions to prevent violence and advance gender equality. 

A Call to Action: From Awareness to Accountability

As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025, it is clear that the fight for gender equality and the eradication of GBV requires collective commitment. Governments must strengthen legal frameworks, enforce protections, and hold perpetrators accountable. But governments cannot do it alone. Civil society, businesses, communities, and individuals all have critical roles to play.

The United Nations remains steadfast in its commitment to work with governments and civil society to dismantle the structural barriers that perpetuate GBV. Our approach is rooted in human rights: addressing root causes, empowering survivors, and amplifying the voices of women and girls.

As individuals, we are not powerless. Each of us can be an ally—supporting survivors, participating in local campaigns, challenging harmful norms, and advocating for systemic change. 

A Better Future Is Within Reach

The road ahead is long, but not insurmountable. By standing together, supporting CSO and NGOs, and holding perpetrators accountable, we can create a world where every woman and girl is free from violence and fear. Let this not just be a moment of reflection, but a call to action.

The time to act is now. The United Nations stands in solidarity with the Pacific’s women and girls, and we urge every individual, every community, and every government to join us in this fight. Together, we can build a future where violence against women is a thing of the past—because no woman should ever live in fear, and no girl should ever grow up thinking violence is her fate.