Violence is a manifestation of gender inequality and required everyone to take a stand against it, President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls and members of the Diplomatic Corps said in a joint statement on the Elimination of Violence against Women.

In their statement they reaffirmed their commitment to ensure that the lives of women and girls are free from violence and the threat of violence. 

The statement emphasised that violence against women was unacceptable. It was a violation of women’s human rights and undermined development, social cohesion and economic growth. They also added that gender-based violence limited women’s lives and potential.

The statement underlined the need to encourage men and boys to stand up for women and girls and assume their responsibility in condemning all forms of violence against women.

They encouraged all governments and communities to take action to stop violence against women, commit resources to the prevention of, and response to, violence against women by supporting survivors, educating communities and ensuring that legal systems responded appropriately.