The Official Commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was a virtual multi-stakeholder event with the participation of high-level representatives of Member States, United Nations agencies, Goodwill Ambassadors, and civil society organizations. In the current context of COVID-19 and in line with the SG Political Engagement Strategy on Gender-Based Violence, the event:

• Highlighted achievements and initiated additional commitments by Member States on the issue of ending violence against women;
• Honoured women’s organizations as first responders and acknowledged their leadership in ending violence; and
• Activated UN-wide mobilization under the umbrella of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign and promoted zero tolerance across all spheres of society everywhere.

Due to COVID-19, the event included a pre-recorded component and live broadcast. UN Secretary-General António Guterres participated live alongside UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and UNFPA Executive Director Natalia Kanem. Heads of State and Heads of UN entities shared their remarks via video.

A compelling video told the stories of women on the front lines of the fight against gender-based violence.

UN Women Goodwill Ambassadors Ms. Nicole Kidman and Ms. Cindy Bishop; SDG Advocate, UNODC Goodwill Ambassador and Nobel Peace Prize, Ms. Nadia Murad; and Nobel Peace Prize Nominee and Founder of Rise, Ms. Amanda Nguyen also participated via video.

Webcast:

• Flyer