UN: Violence against women drains economies

Ban Ki-moon, UN secretary-general, says violence against women and girls imposes “large-scale costs” on families, communities and economies.

Ban said this in commemoration of the 2016 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

He said when women cannot work, their jobs and the accompanying income are at risk, so they are unable to live abusive relationships.

“Violence against women and girls imposes large-scale costs on families, communities and economies,” he said.

“The net result is enormous suffering as well as the exclusion of women from playing their full and rightful roles in society.”

“The world cannot afford to pay this price. Women and girls cannot afford it – and should not have to, yet such violence persists every day, around the world.”

“I call on governments to show their commitment by dramatically increasing national spending in all relevant areas, including in support of women’s movements and civil society organisations,” he said.

“With dedicated investment, we can keep these lights shining, uphold human rights and eliminate violence against women and girls for good”.