Ending Violence
Against Women
and Girls

Women aren't free until they're all free from violence

Violence against women and girls is a major cause of death, poor health and disability around the world. It also stops women and girls from escaping poverty. It limits their control over their own bodies. It holds them back from school, from work, from community life.

In many countries, women and girls can't access justice. They may not know they have the right to live free of violence. Violence and early or forced marriage are accepted ways of life, and men hold power over women.

Every woman should be able to live free from violence, regardless of her age, race, social or economic status. Today, that right is rarely within grasp for a woman living in poverty.

Meet the Changemakers

How do women and youth in Bangladesh take action to end and prevent violence against women and girls? Explore our audiovisual essay to learn more.

Why Does Violence Against Women and Girls Matter?

1 IN 3
Globally, one in three women have suffered physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
41000
This is the number of girls who become child brides every day around the world.
2.5 x
Poor girls are 2.5 times more likely to marry in childhood than wealthy ones.

What is Oxfam Doing?

We are supporting organizations who are working to change the social norms and cultural practices that give men power over women, while also empowering women to prevent and overcome violence in their lives. We work with everyone in communities - women, men, authorities, teachers, religious leaders - to build a safe and just world where women and girls are in control of their lives and live free from violence.

Improve

social services, medical assistance, counselling, job and skills training, and legal aid.

Strengthen

leadership, engagement and rights among women and girls, while also involving men and boys.

Change

how people, families, communities and institutions think about violence.

Three Steps You Can Take Now

Two women holding a sign: "Respect Your Mother". The O is a circular map of the earth.

Join Us

Join Oxfam Canada's email list to get up-to-the-minute updates.

A group on a rooftop.

Fundraise

Start a fundraiser to support ending violence.

A woman with brown skin, brown eyes and dark hair is holding her young child and wearing a blue surgical mask and a red dress and headscarf.

Donate

Contribute to our fight for equality. End violence against women and girls around the world.

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