Unheard Cries: The Lingering Fight Against Violence Toward Women and Girls

By Myra Ugle, Calleo Indigenous Fellow, CSW69

Myra in Time Square, New York City after a big day at the UN HQ.

Attending the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) as part of the Global Voices Fellowship was an eye-opening and deeply moving experience. The event brought together voices from across the world, each representing the fight for gender equality and the right of women and girls to live free from violence. However, what stood out to me most was how far we still have to go in addressing the persistent issue of violence against women and girls and how the global political instability only deepens the crisis.

One of the most striking aspects of the UNCSW was the overwhelming sense of urgency in the room. Everyone was united by a common cause, advocating for an end to violence in all its forms. Yet, I was deeply struck by how widespread and persistent these issues are.

Whether it was domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, or violence in conflict zones, the statistics are devastating. As I listened to representatives share stories and data, it became clear that the fight against violence is not a battle that is nearly won, but one that is still being waged on multiple fronts.

What also became evident was how different regions of the world are facing these issues in starkly different ways. Some countries have made significant progress in enacting laws and providing resources to help victims, but others are still lacking basic frameworks for protection. This discrepancy was a source of concern for me. In particular, I was troubled by the lack of transparency from some countries when it came to discussing the extent of violence against women and girls within their borders. While these countries acknowledge the issue, there is often little public information about the true scale of the problem. This lack of transparency can hinder global collaboration, as it becomes harder to understand where the gaps are and how we can effectively address them.

However, despite these challenges, the discussions at the UNCSW filled me with hope. There was a collective determination to make tangible progress, not just in terms of policy, but in changing mindsets and shifting societal norms. One powerful takeaway for me was the recognition that the issue of violence against women and girls is not just a "women’s issue"—it is a societal issue. The responsibility to combat gender-based violence must be shared by everyone, regardless of gender or background.

The political environment also raised some important reflections for me. It is impossible to ignore how the instability in many parts of the world is exacerbating the situation for women and girls. In regions experiencing conflict or political unrest, women are often the most vulnerable. But even in more stable regions, the rising global political tensions are casting a shadow over the progress we have made in gender equality. These shifts often result in backsliding, with protections for women being weakened and the voices of those advocating for their rights being sidelined.

Nevertheless, I was encouraged by the unwavering resilience of those working on the front lines, particularly the women leaders I met who are driving change in their own communities. Their stories of courage and determination showed me that while the road ahead may be long, it is not without hope. The strength of the global women’s movement is undeniable, and that gives me faith that we can and will continue to make progress.

Reflecting on my time at the UNCSW, I realised how important it is for us to keep pushing for transparency, better policies, and more support for women and girls everywhere. While political instability and the scale of violence against women can feel overwhelming at times, the conversations I had with passionate activists and experts reaffirmed the power of collective action. Change is possible, but it requires sustained effort, collaboration, and a commitment to ensuring that women and girls are heard, supported, and protected.

Fellowship thanks to Calleo Indigenous Community Fund.