By Lenore T. Adkins

The world recognizes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, a day to heighten awareness about the physical, psychological and emotional harm women face worldwide.

The U.S. Department of State sees tackling violence against women as a human rights imperative. Violence threatens women’s and girls’ safety, and it sets barriers to their potential for prosperity or filling leadership roles.

The department supports the Voices Against Violence Consortium, a public-private partnership that offers medical, livelihood and legal services to survivors of violence against women, especially in conflict areas.

Far too often, perpetrators aren’t held accountable for their crimes, and many survivors don’t receive the support they need to fully recover.

Violence against women before, during and after conflict presents specific challenges to building and sustaining peace. This is why boosting protection, fostering leadership skills, and increasing access to resources for women are among key priorities at the State Department.

The United States is committed to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through U.S. foreign policy.

This article was originally published November 23, 2020.