UN press release on the launch of campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

25 November 2025

Violence against women and girls, online and offline, is one of the most pervasive human rights violations of our time. It affects communities everywhere. In Europe, nearly 2,300 women and girls were murdered by an intimate partner or family member in 2023. A stark 37 million women were raped or sexually assaulted during childhood[1]. In Montenegro, one in three women has experienced sexual harassment since the age of 15[2].

The impact of violence extends far beyond the individual. It weakens families, divides societies, and hinders progress. The scale of the problem demands urgent, united action. 

“Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. It can and must be prevented,” says Caroline Tissot, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro. “Ending violence against women and girls requires courage, commitment, and collaboration from everyone in society – from government institutions and justice systems to schools, tech companies, and communities. Together, we can make Montenegro a place where women and girls are safe, respected, and empowered – everywhere, every day.”

This year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign calls for stronger laws, better data, and a whole-of-society response to end violence in all its forms – online and offline.

Jointly, we need to ensure that stronger laws will mean stronger accountability, that justice systems are survivor-centred. We need better data to understand the scope and causes of gender-based violence. Through education and culture, we must challenge harmful norms, prejudices, victim-blaming, while engage men and boys as allies. We have a duty to make sure that all women and girls – especially those most at risk, including women with disabilities, Roma and Egyptian women, LGBTQ+ women, and migrants – are fully protected and supported.

Ending violence against women and girls is everyone’s responsibility. 

The UN calls on:

• Government – to allocate sufficient funding, strictly enforce laws, invest  in comprehensive prevention strategies and develop prevention and protection services, including crisis centres and child-friendly models such as Barnahus.
• Institutions – to invest in social services, legal and law enforcement professionals, health and education workers, and specialized cybercrime units to prevent and respond swiftly to violence against women and girls. Strengthening these services ensures better justice, protection, and safe reporting channels for survivors.
• Tech companies – to ensure safety and accountability on their digital platforms.
• Men and boys – to stand up as allies, learning from an early age about healthy relationships and challenging harmful social norms.

Zero tolerance means zero excuses. Only by working together can we create a future where every woman and girl lives free from violence.

[1] Adolescence in Europe Policy Brief.pdf

[2] Well-being and safety of women - OSCE