Meaning: The quote "With the adoption of the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, the international community sent out a clear message that gender-based violence will not be tolerated" by Jenny Shipley, a well-known stateswoman, encapsulates a powerful message about the global commitment to addressing the pervasive issue of violence against women. Jenny Shipley, who served as the first female Prime Minister of New Zealand, is known for her advocacy on gender equality and women's rights. Her quote reflects the significance of the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women as a milestone in the international effort to combat gender-based violence.

The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993. It represented a landmark achievement in recognizing and addressing the specific forms of violence that disproportionately affect women and girls around the world. The declaration defines violence against women as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life."

The adoption of this declaration signaled a significant shift in global consciousness regarding the urgency of addressing gender-based violence as a violation of human rights. It acknowledged that such violence is not only a personal or domestic issue but also a societal problem that requires a coordinated and comprehensive response at the national and international levels.

Jenny Shipley's quote emphasizes the collective stance taken by the international community to reject and condemn all forms of violence against women. It underscores the commitment to creating a world where women and girls are free from the threat of violence and can exercise their rights without fear or intimidation. The message conveyed in the quote is one of determination and solidarity in the fight against gender-based violence.

The declaration itself serves as a guiding framework for governments, organizations, and individuals to address and prevent violence against women. It calls for the enactment of legislation, the establishment of support services, and the promotion of education and awareness to eliminate the root causes of such violence. By recognizing the multifaceted nature of gender-based violence, the declaration emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that addresses social, cultural, and economic factors contributing to the perpetuation of violence against women.

In the years since the adoption of the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, there has been progress in raising awareness, advocating for policy reforms, and providing support for survivors of gender-based violence. However, challenges persist, and the quote by Jenny Shipley serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for sustained efforts to eradicate violence against women.

In conclusion, Jenny Shipley's quote encapsulates the significance of the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women and the collective commitment of the international community to combat gender-based violence. The declaration represents a pivotal moment in the global effort to address violence against women and provides a framework for action and advocacy. Shipley's words serve as a call to action, urging continued dedication to the elimination of gender-based violence and the advancement of women's rights worldwide.