The International Council of Nurses (ICN) denounces violence against nurses, which constitutes a global gendered crisis that threatens health systems, patient safety and the sustainability of health professionals.
Speaking at a parallel session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), ICN President Dr José Luis Cobos Serrano called for urgent action to combat workplace violence affecting nurses and other predominantly female professions. The ICN session, co-organized with Sigma Theta Tau International and SONSIEL, brought together global experts to examine the scale, causes and solutions to violence in healthcare workplaces.
Dr. Cobos Serrano emphasized that nursing is an overwhelmingly female profession, with women making up 85% of the workforce, and that its historical classification as “women’s work” has contributed to persistent devaluation, lower wages, and limited leadership opportunities.
He cited alarming data illustrating the scale of the problem: 86% of nurses report experiencing violence from patients or the public, while more than two thirds experience it from colleagues. Workplace violence, he said, is closely linked to gender inequalities, unsafe working conditions and staff shortages. “Creating safe working environments free of gender-based violence is essential to workforce sustainability”he said.
Dr Cobos Serrano also warned that violence intensifies in conflict contexts, where attacks on health workers are increasingly used as a weapon of war. He highlighted ICN’s advocacy at the highest level and its #NursesforPeace initiative to support nurses in crisis-affected regions.
The consequences, he added, are serious and widespread. Violence contributes to burnout, absenteeism and staff shortages, while increasing risks to patient safety and quality of care. It is also pushing nurses to leave the profession, worsening global staff shortages.
Closing the session, Dr. Cobos Serrano emphasized that protecting nurses is fundamental to strengthening health systems. “Protecting nurses and frontline workers is essential not only for their safety, but also for economic stability, societal well-being and the quality of care received by patients “, he said.
He highlighted three key priorities: promoting gender equality, strengthening nursing leadership and recognizing that protecting nurses is essential to protecting patients.
Dr. Cobos Serrano called for concrete measures, including zero tolerance policies for workplace violence, improved safety and prevention systems, mental health support for affected staff, and enhanced protection of health professionals in conflict zones.
“Nurses are among the most trusted professional groups in society,”he recalled. “When we protect them, we enable them to improve health for all. »
The ICN also highlighted its upcoming activities at CSW70 and invited participants to the ICN NP/APN Network Conference in Nashville (September 2026) as well as the ICN Congress in Taipei (July 2027).
CII Communication dated March 18, 2026
