Today marks the commencement of the globally recognized 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign. As part of this movement, individuals worldwide unite to withstand violence against women and girls. Gender-based violence continues to be a grave violation of human rights, everywhere including in Mongolia. Mongolia actively participates in this global effort to raise awareness about GBV, and address its root causes: entrenched gender norms and stereotypes that perpetuate it.

Women and girls suffer from violence, harassment and exclusion in their homes, schools, workplaces, public and digital spaces, affecting their health and well-being. The reality continues to paint a stark and heart-breaking picture. One in two Mongolian women has suffered violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. Alarmingly, 10.7 percent of women reported sexual abuse before turning 15, with family members often being the perpetrators. In first half of 2023, the country saw 20 per cent increase in fatalities related to domestic violence compared to the previous year same period.

Women in rural area are being disproportionately affected by climate change due to their roles, cultural norms, and responsibilities. This unequal burden forces women into economically and socially vulnerable positions eventually leading to GBV.

The deep-seated roots of GBV are intricately linked with persistent gender biases, stereotypes, gender inequality and harmful social norms. In Mongolia, women spend a staggering 2.6 times more of their time and effort in unpaid care work compared to men, including as household duties, caregiving while taking a minor role in decision-making.

Mongolia is also reporting a rise in technology-based violence, given the extensive use of social media by a vast majority of the people. 33 percent of children have come across child sexual abuse content online, and 10 percent of women face sexual harassment online.

Gender-based violence must be halted to unequivocally protect women’s essential rights, dignity, and equality of all, forging a path toward a sustainable, fair, and harmonious society for generations to come.

In observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV in Mongolia, we, the United Nations in Mongolia, appeal to government institutions, donors, development partners, civil society organizations, banking institutions, private sectors and individuals to bolster collaborative efforts and fortify the commitment to accelerate the realization of SDG 5: Gender Equality. We call on everyone for actions to invest in the prevention of Gender-based Violence and RESPECT women and girls at all times.  

We, the United Nations, steadfastly reaffirm our dedication to forging a society where every woman and girl's rights are unconditionally respected and protected in public, at home and workplaces, and in digital space.