Violence against women and girls is unfortunately one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in the world today, and it threatens millions of girls and women both offline and online, affecting women regardless of their age, background or level of education. This violence has many different forms, including physical, sexual and psychological violence, but also, for example, economic abuse and exploitation.

Statistics illustrate this sad fact with very thought-provoking numbers. More than 1 in 3 women experience gender-based violence during their lifetime. The 2021 report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime revealed that every 11 minutes a woman or girl is killed worldwide by someone in her own family. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, data shows that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, have intensified. COVID-19 has eroded women’s perception of safety, both at home and in public spaces, with significant negative impacts on their mental and emotional well-being.

For various reasons, many women cannot speak up in defense of themselves and so only less than 40% of women who have experienced violence have sought help. The Tallinn diplomatic corps encourages all female victims to make their voices heard, and to convey this message, they also gathered for a group photo, where each diplomat posed with a sign stating in their own language to speak up. With this photo, the embassies also mark the beginning of an annual campaign The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence that starts today, November 25, and runs through International Human Rights Day on 10 December, indicating that violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide.

The protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the rights of women and girls, together with the support of democracy, continue to be among the core objectives of the Czech Republic's foreign policy. We support equal opportunities for women and men and actively oppose violence against women and girls, including sexual violence in armed conflicts. This year – as part of the 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council – the Czech Republic supported the resolution on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and girls, as well as the resolution on the mandate of the special rapporteur on violence against women and girls.

#OrangeTheWorld End Violence against Women Now!