On International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Professor Hassan Shehata, RCOG Vice President for Global Health, highlights the College’s work to address violence against women and our call for the UK Government to safeguard women and healthcare workers in countries affected by conflict.
Why is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women so important?
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) – including physical, sexual, psychological and coercive - remains one of the most widespread human rights violations in the world. It affects women in every region, across all ages, backgrounds and communities. From domestic abuse to sexual violence, from harmful practices to the targeting of healthcare facilities in conflict zones, this violence damages health, undermines dignity, and fundamentally restricts women’s ability to live full, safe lives.
How is the RCOG contributing to efforts to eliminate violence against women?
As a College whose mission is to improve the health of women and girls, we abhor violence in all forms and are committed to supporting women to access treatment and care without the threat of violence.
Health systems have a fundamental role in prevention of VAWG, early identification and survivor support, and must be equipped to respond effectively. Our work therefore focuses on strengthening those systems through advocacy, training, global partnerships and research.
Frontline healthcare professionals are often the first trusted point of contact for women experiencing violence. Their ability to recognise warning signs, provide a safe environment for disclosure and offer appropriate clinical and emotional support can determine whether a woman receives timely help. Building this capability across health services is essential.
To support this, the College delivers our Essential Gynaecological Skills training worldwide through our Gynaecological Health Matters programme. Developed with international partners, this programme includes a dedicated module on violence against women, designed to build confidence and competence in providing trauma-informed, compassionate care. By strengthening the knowledge and readiness of healthcare providers, we help ensure that health systems can act as a protective, rather than reactive, force for women and girls.
We are also working with partners to advocate for an end to female genital mutilation (FGM), which is internationally recognised as a human rights violation and a specific form of violence against women and girls. It has no medical benefit and causes significant long-term physical and psychological harm. In many parts of the world, a worrying trend of medicalised FGM has emerged, where the procedure is performed in clinical settings under the mistaken belief that this makes it “safer.” Medicalisation does not reduce harm; it embeds FGM within health systems, legitimises a practice rooted in inequality and deeply undermines medical ethics.
The College is supporting survivor-led movements, and strengthening training, research and professional guidance so that healthcare providers are empowered to reject and report this harmful practice.
How does conflict make violence against women even worse?
The Geneva Academy, which monitors armed conflicts, reports there are currently 110 armed conflicts worldwide, including Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, and some that have been ongoing for over 50 years. In situations of conflict, displacement, and political instability, women and children are disproportionately affected. Access to healthcare is disrupted, sexual and gender-based violence increases, and medical workers often risk their own lives to provide care.
As someone of Sudanese origin, it is heartbreaking to watch women, girls, and the health workers who care for them endure such brutal violence, including the attack on the last maternity hospital in El Fasher. In this crisis, advocating for their safety and dignity is not just necessary - it is a deeply personal responsibility.
Ensuring women’s safety, autonomy, and access to essential healthcare during crises must be a global priority - not an afterthought.
What is the College calling on the UK Government to do to protect and support healthcare professionals in areas affected by conflict or instability?
Healthcare professionals working in conflict settings face exceptional pressure -sometimes navigating threats, restricted movement, or attacks on their facilities.
We stand in solidarity with healthcare professionals practicing in countries affected by conflict and war who risk their lives to provide care for those in need.
Access to essential healthcare and the safety of medical professionals must be ensured and we condemn any actions that impede this.
To allow them to continue to deliver safe care in conflict zones, we need the UK Government to:
- Advocate for and support the delivery of humanitarian aid, including essential medical supplies, food, and clean water, so women and girls can get the treatment and care they need in conflict zones
- Demand that all parties uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to respect and protect medical professionals and their families, facilities, patients and civilians, with an unequivocal end to hospitals and healthcare workers being targeted by military attacks
What needs to change globally to eliminate violence against women and girls?
It’s important to look beyond the immediate and obvious issues of violence against women and confront and dismantle the systemic barriers that enable violence to occur. By fostering an environment of trust and compassion, we can empower women to break the silence surrounding violence and advocate for their rights.
To eliminate violence against women and girls, governments and health systems must:
- Establish strong laws and accountability mechanisms
- Ensure safe, accessible sexual and reproductive healthcare
- Address harmful practices, including FGM/C
- Support survivors with trauma-informed services
- Protect healthcare workers, particularly in conflict zones
- Invest in prevention, education and community engagement
Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. It is preventable, and ending it requires sustained, coordinated action across sectors, communities and borders.
- Read the RCOG’s statement of solidarity for countries affected by conflict here.