Ulaanbaatar, 25 November 2024 — The Government of Mongolia and the National Committee on Gender Equality, in collaboration with the United Nations in Mongolia, led by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), are launching the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. This initiative begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and concludes on Human Rights Day, 10 December. This year's theme is: "Women and girls are safe everywhere – No excuse."
Gender-based violence remains a pressing issue in Mongolia. Recent data from the National Police Agency indicates a concerning rise in incidents. Fatalities linked to domestic violence increased by 4.5%, from 22 cases in 2023 to 23 in 2024. Reported severe domestic violence cases rose sharply by 20.2%, from 109 to 131. Reported incidents of domestic violence surged by 24.3%, reaching 9,343 cases compared to 7,517 last year. From January to September 2024, 3,069 survivors of GBV sought assistance—a 12% increase from the same period in 2023. Among them were 736 women, 145 men, 28 persons with disabilities, 1,231 girls, and 929 boys. Survivors received critical support through 37 One-Stop Service Centers (OSSCs) and shelters, which provided protection, healthcare, social support, and psychological services.
This year’s campaign also emphasizes the growing concern around Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). With the increasing integration of digital platforms into daily life, women and girls face heightened vulnerability to online harassment, stalking, and exploitation. TFGBV has become a global issue, underscoring the urgent need to address both offline and online violence. The campaign will also focus on technology’s dual role as both a tool of abuse and a powerful means for raising awareness, providing support, and preventing violence.
Aligned with the UNiTE campaign framework, “Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” this initiative is also guided by the Ulaanbaatar Declaration, issued at the 2024 World Women’s Forum. The declaration calls for the full and equal participation of women in all aspects of society—from politics to culture—and reaffirms the commitment to eliminating gender-based discrimination and violence.
The 16 Days campaign will feature a series of events, including policy dialogues on addressing TFGBV, integrating GBV education into university curricula, and the necessity of regular data collection to inform decision-making. The campaign will also utilize media to raise public awareness and challenge harmful social norms that perpetuate gender-based violence. Additionally, community outreach activities aimed at raising awareness and driving action to end violence against women and girls are being conducted nationwide.
UNFPA calls upon government, civil societies, youth, influencers, media, development partners, and the private sector to unite in this global effort. "Violence against women and girls is preventable. Ending GBV is a collective responsibility that demands action from all sectors of society. As we mark these 16 days of activism, let us go beyond words and take bold steps to ensure a future where women and girls live free from violence and fear in physical and online spaces. Together, we can transform respect, dignity, and equality from ideals into lived realities, fulfilling the promise of SDG-5 for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. The time to act is now."
Media Contact: Ms.Egiimaa Media Communication Consultant, UNFPA Mongolia
+976 95953362
