On the occasion of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence this year, I invite you to join me in commemorating this important global campaign. It starts from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November and culminating on Human Rights Day on 10 December for our common goal of ending gender-based violence and harassment in line with international standards.

Violence against women and girls remains the most pervasive human rights violation around the world. According to WHO, one in three women globally, around 736 million, have been subjected to physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes. It is unacceptable situation.

China has made important progresses against sexual harassment in the workplace, through the Civil Code and also the newly adopted Amendments to the Law on Protection of Women’s Rights and Interests. However, challenges remain, as elsewhere, in the areas of awareness and understanding of gender-based violence, its consequences on individuals and workplaces, effective compliance and enforcement by all stakeholders.

We need to have “UNITE” efforts and innovative approaches for enhancing public awareness, developing multi-sectoral responses and programmes to ensure all sectors free from violence and harassment.

The ILO stands ready to work with our constituents and other partners in China to promote the ratification of the International Labour Convention on Violence and Harassment, 2019 (No. 190), which is the first international treaty to recognize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.

And as a man, I would like to call fellow men’s active participation in making efforts together for protecting women and girls from violence and harassment, mainstreaming gender equality in our work and life, and supporting victims and survivors.