Ulaanbaatar - The United Nations stands strongly united in condemning gender-based violence (GBV) in all its forms. The 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, observed annually from November 25th to December 10th, serves as a crucial reminder of the pervasive and long-enduring human rights violation that GBV represents. This year's global theme, "Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women," underscores the urgent need to address this persistent issue.

In Mongolia, the 2024 campaign theme, "WOMEN AND GIRLS ARE SAFE EVERYWHERE- #NoExcuse for all," highlights the growing threat of technology-facilitated violence (TFGBV), which exacerbates harm to women and girls both online and offline. While Mongolia has made strides through legislative reforms like the Law on Combating Domestic Violence, significant challenges remain, particularly in addressing TFGBV and underreporting of cases.

Deep-seated gender-based stereotypes continue to perpetuate unequal power dynamics and normalise harmful behaviors, making them a root cause of gender-based violence in Mongolia. According to UNDP's Gender Social Norm Index 2023, a staggering 97 per cent of Mongolians hold at least one gender-based bias against women, revealing that these stereotypes remain a fundamental barrier to women's empowerment.

Women in rural areas are disproportionately affected by climate change due to their roles, cultural norms, and responsibilities. Vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, migrants, refugees, and indigenous women face even higher risks and barriers to seeking help.

As the global community approaches the 30th anniversary review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the United Nations calls on government, civil society, private sector, development partners, and individuals to:

1. Strengthen and enforce legal frameworks to address all forms of GBV, including TFGBV.
2. Increase investment in comprehensive prevention and response services, ensuring survivors have access to justice, healthcare, and social support.
3. Promote public awareness campaigns to challenge harmful gender norms and stereotypes.
4. Leverage technology to create safer online spaces while holding perpetrators accountable.
5. Invest in regular population-based data collection, improve data analysis, and use it to inform evidence-based policies and ensure accountability.
6. Ensure marginalised and vulnerable groups have a seat at the table, enabling their full participation in decision-making processes.
7. Engage men and boys as allies in combating GBV and promoting gender equality.

Ending GBV is a shared responsibility that requires commitment from all sectors of society. As we embark on these 16 days of activism, let us not only advocate for change but also act decisively to create a future where women and girls are safe everywhere.

Together, we can build a world where respect, dignity, and equality are not aspirations but realities for all, as envisaged in SDG-5 for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women.

#WomenAndGirlsAreSafeEverywhere #NoExcuse for all