Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey on Tuesday said no woman is safe until all women are safe and that safety begins where fear ends — in their homes, neighbourhoods, communities and countries.
“Violence against women is perhaps one of humanity’s oldest and least punished crimes,” she said in a statement issued marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
She said it is committed in every region and in every community, often behind closed doors and often without consequences. “It is personal – for all of us. If you have ever had to tell your sister to ‘be careful’ just for existing, you understand.”
Tuesday is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and marks the beginning of the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence.
On this day, the United Kingdom reaffirmed their strong commitment to promoting gender equality, both globally and in Bangladesh.
Commonwealth secretary-general said one in three women suffer from physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. “And if you are a young girl, a woman with a disability, or from minority groups, the risk is even higher.”
She said each bruise, each insult and each threat is not isolated, but part of a machinery of control. “We are not short of data.”
Botchwey said they are guided by the values in the Commonwealth Charter – values reaffirmed by the leaders – that gender equality must be a reality, not just a promise on paper. “That’s why, through our new Strategic Plan, gender is at the heart of everything we do, because it is essential for justice.”
She said they are working with governments and partners to do what must be done.
In countries where gender discriminatory laws make it harder for women to leave abusive partners and seek justice, Botchwey said they work with partners to reform them.
In economies where the cost of violence goes unnoticed, she said they have helped governments measure how much money they lose – and make a strong economic case for investing in prevention.
In communities where lack of income traps women in cycles of violence, Botchwey said they help break that cycle by investing in skills training, women-led businesses and policies that improve their access to opportunity.
“In decision-making spaces from climate policy to democratic participation, we work with member countries and partners to ensure they have a seat at the table and a voice in the outcome,” she said.
In civic spaces where women’s voices are too frequently sidelined, Botchwey said they work with partners to promote their rights to speak, mobilise and lead without fear.
“All of this helps. But let’s be honest, none of it is enough on its own. Not when the backlash is growing. We need a re-energised global movement – now – powerful enough to turn the tide and carry us toward justice. No excuse. We owe this not only to the women we have lost, but to those who survive every single day,” she said.
