Statement by Director-General, Jan Beagle on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Gender inequality is an affront to human dignity, a challenge to the rule of law and an obstacle to development. Denying women of their rightful place in society – by depriving them of equal access to education, justice or livelihood – means robbing societies of the talent and potential of half of their members. In securing every social need from peace to food, the role of women has been shown to be paramount.
Although gender equality is increasingly a feature of national Constitutions, the law often continues to restrict women's rights and freedoms, dictates their submission to male relatives, or limits what they may own or inherit.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Violence against women has long been recognized as a global epidemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly escalated threats to women’s safety, security and access to justice.
Violence against women has long been recognized as a global epidemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly escalated threats to women’s safety, security and access to justice.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses a significant threat to the right to food for populations, and especially for marginalized groups. In many countries, COVID-19 is intertwining with pre-existing factors affecting food security and nutrition, by limiting the access to affordable and nutritious food, including lack of economic opportunities, extreme weather conditions, ongoing conflicts and more.
WEBINAR | 23 October 2020 | 14:00 – 15:30 Rome | 8:00 – 9:30
Excellencies,
I appreciate this opportunity to contribute to the discussions at this High-level Meeting on Accelerating Gender Equality 25 years after Beijing.
Annual Discussion on the Integration of a Gender Perspective Throughout the Work of the Human Rights Council and that of its Mechanisms
Gender and Diversity: Strengthening the Intersectional Perspective in the Work of the Human Rights Council