Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we are reminded that violence does not end as women age; however, protection, visibility, and support often do. Many older women face forms of violence that remain underreported, overlooked, and insufficiently addressed not only because of gender-based discrimination, but also because ageism further silences their experiences.
Eliminating violence against women requires ensuring dignity and safety for women of all ages.
We must recognise the specific risks that older women encounter, while also acknowledging the structural barriers that limit their access to justice, services, and protection. This means improving data collection, strengthening support systems, and ensuring that older women’s voices are heard in policy discussions that directly affect their lives.
As we renew our global commitment to end gender-based violence, we must ensure that older women are not left behind. Their safety, dignity, and rights must be upheld across the life course from early adulthood to advanced age.
Every woman. Every age. Free from violence.
