Violence against women and girls is one of the most common human rights violations in the world. It knows no boundaries, whether economic, social or geographical.

Globally, it is estimated that one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. Although gender-based violence jeopardises the health, dignity, safety and autonomy of its victims, it remains surrounded by a culture of silence. It sometimes has serious consequences for the sexual and reproductive health of victims: forced and unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, traumatic fistulas, sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and even death.

Gender-based violence exists in every corner of the world. The number of women and girls affected by this problem is staggering. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data from 2013, at least one in three women has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused, most often by someone she knows. According to a 2014 report, one in five women is sexually abused as a child.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) report also states that women who have been physically or sexually abused have a 16% increased risk of having a low birth weight baby. They are at least twice as likely to have an abortion, and in some regions are 50% more likely to contract HIV.

Gender-based violence is not just a violation of the rights of a few women and girls. The impunity enjoyed by perpetrators and the fear generated by their actions affect all women and girls. This form of violence also takes its toll on the world as it prevents women and girls from contributing to international development, peace and progress.

World Future Active is one of several actors that aim to advance gender equality and women's empowerment to address the physical and emotional consequences of gender-based violence.

World Future Active's actions provide victims with psychosocial support, referrals to medical treatment and rape kits, and assert the right of every woman and girl to a life free of abuse and violence.