The AOFOG declaration on violence against women: A regional call to action for Asia and Oceania

Abstract

Violence against women remains a severe human rights violation and public health challenge across Asia and Oceania, with significant variations in prevalence and response capacity among countries. Despite global frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and regional initiatives like the ASEAN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Violence Against Children, implementation gaps hinder effective protection. The Asia-Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AOFOG) Declaration on Violence Against Women: A Commitment to Action and Change reinforces key commitments across 10 action areas, including recognizing violence against women as a critical issue, advancing international agreements, strengthening regional cooperation, mobilizing stakeholders, empowering healthcare professionals, enhancing comprehensive services, promoting public education, improving healthcare training, supporting research and data collection, and preparing for crisis responses such as pandemics. Emphasizing evidence-based policymaking and regional collaboration, the Declaration establishes a roadmap for accountability through robust monitoring and evaluation. By uniting stakeholders across sectors, AOFOG aims to eliminate VAW and foster environments where women's rights, safety, and dignity are universally upheld. This Declaration was officially presented at the 28th AOFOG Congress held in Busan, Korea, on May 18, 2024.