Goodwill Ambassadors stand in solidarity with Gender-based Violence Survivors

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, emerging data and reports have shown that all forms of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, has intensified. Even before COVID-19, violence against women was one of the most widespread violations of human rights, with one in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence mostly by an intimate partner.

According to a UN Women study conducted in nine Arab States countries during the pandemic, about half of the respondents agreed that women are currently facing increased risk of violence from their partners because of COVID-19, with less than 40 per cent of women who experience violence seeking help of any sort or reporting the crime. The study also found that nearly one in three respondents (men and women) at least considered that women should tolerate violence during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the family together. According to UNFPA, globally, two million Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) cases could occur over the next decade that would otherwise have been averted and an additional total 13 million child marriages taking place that otherwise would not have occurred between 2020 and 2030 due to  pandemic-related disruptions.

In response to the issue and supported by the United Nations, renowned advocates from across the Arab States region have joined forces to produce a public service announcement video to raise awareness about the increase in violence against women and girls during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The video features:

Nadia Murad, Yazidi survivor of genocide and human trafficking and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. UNODC Goodwill Ambassador

Yousra, Egyptian actress and singer. UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador in the MENA region

Darine el Khatib, Lebanese media professional. FAO Special Goodwill Ambassador for Zero Hunger in the Near East and North Africa

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