On the occasion of International Women's Day, the EDVAW Platform (Platform of Independent Expert Mechanisms on Discrimination and Violence against Women) has issued a powerful statement reaffirming its commitment to eradicating gender-based violence and poverty. This statement comes as a poignant reminder of the persistent challenges faced by women and girls worldwide and the urgent need for collective action to address them.

The mechanisms of the Platform highlight the entrenched link between gender-based violence and poverty, emphasising that women and girls are disproportionately affected by insecurity, economic disempowerment, and social inequalities. Despite decades of efforts, discrimination against women persists, exacerbated by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, armed conflicts, and climate change.

In their statement, the experts stress the importance of robust legal frameworks and comprehensive policies to address the root causes of gender-based violence and poverty. They call on governments and international stakeholders to prioritise legislative reforms, integrate gender-sensitive measures into social and economic policies, and allocate adequate resources to empower women and girls economically and socially.

Moreover, the statement applauds recent achievements in advancing gender equality, including collaborative efforts by the EDVAW Platform. Through joint actions, thematic papers, and advocacy initiatives, the EDVAW Platform has contributed significantly to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls globally.

As the world celebrates International Women's Day, the EDVAW Platform’s statement serves as a clarion call for intensified efforts to dismantle systemic barriers and underscores the importance of solidarity and collective action in achieving gender equality and ensuring the full realization of women's rights and opportunities.

See full statement here: LINK