Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls

Efforts to prevent violence against women in the Arab region have intensified in recent years, with Governments, civil society organizations and international bodies taking active roles therein. National laws and policies have been introduced to strengthen legal frameworks and provide better protection for women. Campaigns have been launched to raise awareness of the consequences of violence and promote women's rights. Many Arab countries have also adopted action plans to enhance women's access to justice and healthcare services.

However, significant challenges have persisted. While some countries have enacted progressive laws, cultural and societal norms often hinder their implementation. Gaps in training for law enforcement, healthcare providers and judicial personnel further weaken responses to cases of violence. Victim stigma remains a pervasive issue, discouraging women from reporting abuse and perpetuating cycles of violence.

Regional conflicts and instability have exacerbated women’s vulnerability, especially in conflict zones, where institutional breakdown, displacement and economic hardship heighten risks of violence. Even in more stable settings, patriarchal norms, limited gender equality and insufficient resources undermine protection efforts. Overcoming these barriers requires sustained political will, stronger legal frameworks, and greater investment in survivor support services.
 

Our approach

ESCWA collaborates with member countries to combat violence against women in public and private spheres. This includes advancing knowledge on related concepts, such as sexual harassment, economic violence, and harmful practices like child marriage. ESCWA also enhances skills and knowledge for delivering effective services to survivors of violence.

Our partners

To advance efforts in preventing violence against women and girls, ESCWA works with national women’s machineries, civil society organizations, and other national and regional stakeholders. Key partners include the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UN-Women, the Global Women's Studies programme at the University of Galway, the Arab Institute for Women at the Lebanese American University, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Arab Institute for Women, ABAAD, Women Against Violence Europe, and Westminster Foundation for Democracy.

Our activities

ESCWA and its partners have developed a model to estimate the economic cost of violence, and have supported two countries in implementing it, identifying strategies to mitigate economic losses from domestic violence.

ESCWA has also conducted in-depth analyses of regional services, offering operational recommendations to enhance them.

Through its technical cooperation programmes, ESCWA assists countries in developing national strategies to prevent and combat violence against women and girls, fostering comprehensive and sustainable solutions.

ESCWA collaborates annually with the Arab Institute for Women to commemorate the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.