From 25 November to the 10 December PAHO join efforts on 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, that this year is organized under the global theme "Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!"

Violence against women poses serious consequences to their health and well-being. The most severe consequence is death. Violence is associated with a range of short- and long-term physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health problems for victims of intimate partner and sexual violence. Violence against women also affects their children and can lead to high social and economic costs for women, their families and societies.

COVID-19 has created new urgency for action. Isolation and distancing measures, coupled with stress, anxiety, social and economic worries, may increase risk of violence in the home. As risk factors for violence increase, protective factors decrease, including access to needed health and protection services.

Call to action

Now more than ever is time for change and collaboration to end all violence against women and girls. While preventing and responding to violence against women requires a multi-sectoral approach, the health sector has an important role to play. The International Day and the 16 Days of Activism are a timely opportunity to raise awareness for the health and social consequences of violence against women and strengthen our commitment to collective action.

Together we can eliminate violence against women and girls leaving no one behind and elevating our voice even in this challenging time. We know what has to be done. 

Today more than ever we have to strengthen our action to end violence against women and girls around the world and in the Region of the Americas.