Across Africa, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls is being marked with renewed urgency, as communities, activists and leaders confront a crisis that continues to devastate millions of lives.
This year, the United Nations placed special emphasis on fighting digital abuse, stressing that online platforms must not become another place where women and girls face danger. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that digital spaces must be made safe for all users.
Africa’s struggle with gender-based violence remains severe. According to UNICEF, more than 79 million women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa experienced rape or sexual assault during childhood, a number that reflects deep-rooted cultural, social, and security challenges.
Conflict has worsened the situation in many regions. In Sudan, women fleeing violence in El-Fasher have reported harrowing accounts of abuse, including killings, rape, and missing children after the Rapid Support Forces overran the city.
These stories represent a broader pattern across the continent, where instability, displacement, and weak justice systems continue to put women and girls at risk.
African countries respond amid rising pressure
Last week, South African women staged powerful protests against the country’s alarming gender-based violence rate, which UN Women says is five times higher than the global average. The South African government has since declared gender-based violence a national disaster, demanding immediate action and dedicated resources.
Regionally, the African Union has taken a major step by adopting the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. The treaty, once fully ratified, will require member states to actively work toward eliminating gender-based violence and protecting survivors.
As of July 2025, Angola, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Liberia, and The Gambia have signed the agreement, with more African nations expected to join as pressure mounts.
Across the continent, voices are growing louder: violence against women is not just a women’s issue, but a human crisis that demands urgent and collective African action.
