Violence against women is a global crisis affecting millions. When we consider How Many Women Are In The World, the sheer scale of this issue becomes even more devastating. Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners reveals that approximately 1 in 3 women, or around 736 million worldwide, experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, primarily at the hands of intimate partners. This alarming statistic underscores a deeply rooted problem that demands urgent global attention and action.
This pervasive violence is not a new phenomenon; these numbers have remained largely unchanged for a decade. Even more disturbingly, violence against women begins early in life. Among young women aged 15-24 who have been in relationships, 1 in 4 will have already suffered violence from an intimate partner before reaching their mid-twenties. This early onset highlights the need for preventative measures and education starting from a young age.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasizes the endemic nature of this issue, stating, “Violence against women is endemic in every country and culture, causing harm to millions of women and their families.” He further points out that while the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many societal problems, violence against women requires a different kind of solution than a vaccine. It necessitates profound and sustained changes in attitudes, improved opportunities and services for women, and the fostering of respectful relationships at all levels of society.
While intimate partner violence is the most common form, affecting an estimated 641 million women globally, sexual violence from non-partners is also a significant concern. Reportedly, 6% of women worldwide have experienced sexual assault by someone other than a partner. However, due to stigma and underreporting, the actual figures are likely much higher, painting an even grimmer picture of the dangers women face globally.
The Shadow Pandemic: Violence Against Women in Times of Crisis
Emergencies, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, significantly worsen the situation. Lockdowns and disruptions to essential support services have increased women’s vulnerability and exposure to violence. This “shadow pandemic,” as described by UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, has amplified the already existing crisis. Increased reports to helplines and service providers during lockdowns indicate a surge in intimate partner violence, although the full extent of the pandemic’s impact will only become clear as surveys resume. This highlights the critical need for governments to proactively address violence against women, especially during and after crises, and to involve women in developing and implementing solutions.
Inequality Fuels Violence Against Women
Violence against women is not evenly distributed globally; it disproportionately affects those living in low- and lower-middle-income countries. In the poorest nations, an estimated 37% of women experience physical or sexual intimate partner violence in their lifetime, with prevalence rates reaching as high as 1 in 2 in some areas. Regions like Oceania, Southern Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa report the highest rates of intimate partner violence among women aged 15-49, ranging from 33% to a staggering 51%. In contrast, Europe, Central Asia, and Eastern and South-Eastern Asia show lower rates, though still significant, ranging from 16% to 23%. These disparities underscore the link between socioeconomic factors and the risk of violence, emphasizing the need to address global inequities to protect women.
Younger women consistently face the highest risk of recent violence. Among those in relationships, 16% of women aged 15-24 experienced intimate partner violence within the past 12 months, highlighting the immediate danger faced by young women worldwide.
Preventing Violence: A Path to a Safer World for Women
The consequences of violence against women are far-reaching, impacting their health and well-being throughout their lives, leading to increased risks of injuries, mental health disorders, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections. Beyond individual suffering, violence against women incurs tremendous societal costs, affecting national budgets and hindering overall development.
Prevention is paramount. Addressing systemic economic and social inequalities, ensuring access to education and safe work, and transforming discriminatory gender norms are crucial steps. Effective interventions also include providing essential services to survivors, supporting women’s organizations, reforming discriminatory laws, and strengthening legal responses. Dr. Claudia Garcia-Moreno of WHO emphasizes the need to reduce stigma, train healthcare professionals, and dismantle gender inequality. Educating adolescents and young people to promote gender equality is also vital for long-term change.
Countries must commit to strong political will and leadership to combat violence against women through gender-transformative policies, strengthened health system responses, educational interventions, targeted investments in prevention, and improved data collection. By understanding how many women are in the world and the pervasive threat of violence they face, we can collectively work towards creating a safer, more equitable world for all women and girls.
