Gender-Based Violence: A Global Challenge Linked to National Security

Gender-based violence (GBV) affects approximately 736 million women worldwide, highlighting the urgent need to integrate its eradication into national and foreign policy agendas. With annual global observances like the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, it is crucial to recognize that addressing GBV must extend beyond symbolic actions to fundamentally reshape national security strategies.

The term "gender-based violence" refers specifically to violence tied to gender norms and power imbalances, impacting all genders but predominantly affecting women and girls. Statistics reveal that one in three women experiences GBV, with even higher rates in fragile and conflict-affected regions. Notable incidents, such as the recent case of Gisèle Pelicot in France, underscore the human rights implications of this issue.

Research indicates that countries with high gender equality experience fewer conflicts and greater stability. For instance, intimate partner violence alone is estimated to cost 5.2% of global GDP, suggesting a tangible economic incentive to address such violence. McKinsey's analysis projects that equal participation of women in the global economy could bolster GDP by $2.8 trillion.

Feminist foreign policy frameworks offer a comprehensive approach to include GBV in discussions of national security. By redefining security to encompass human rights and economic opportunity, these frameworks emphasize the need for a more inclusive strategy that considers the broader implications of gender inequality and GBV. With an estimated 15 countries already adopting feminist foreign policies, moving towards this model could pave the way for more effective solutions to both domestic and international security challenges.