The Commemoration of the 2018 International Day of Violence Against Women took place on Monday, November 19th, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The Commemoration provided women from all walks of lives with a global platform to share their stories. Survivors of sexual violence, leaders of women centered organizations, and allies shared their experiences and hopes for the future.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres encouraged all in attendance to join in the fight against violence against women and girls. “Violence against women and girls must end now and we all have a role to play." he said. He encouraged all members of society to recognize their responsibility in making the world safe for all people. The event recognized the impacts of the Me Too movement and even adopted “Hear Me Too” as this year’s theme.

UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka highlighted the importance of making cultural shifts and creating a world where survivors of sexual violence are heard and perpetrators are held accountable. "It's about changing the culture in our society that makes these offenses tolerated,” she stressed. The Commemoration included a heartfelt musical number and ended with the representatvie emphasizing that this battle is ongoing and won’t be won in one day.