Violence against women: a raging social evil
“If we are to fight discrimination and injustice against women, we must start from the home for if a woman cannot be safe in her own house then she cannot be expected to feel safe anywhere.” — Aysha Taryam
In 1979, the United Nations General Assembly passed a worldwide bill of rights for women, asking for the abolition of gender discrimination. It enacted a resolution establishing November 25 as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 2000, and released a Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 1993, giving a framework for action. The Spotlight Initiative was established in 2017 by the European Union and the United Nations to eradicate violence against women and girls by 2030.
Around 35% of women in the world experience violence at some point in their lives. In an Indian survey of nearly 10000 women, 26% said they had been physically abused by their spouses at some point in their lives. According to statistics from Uttar Pradesh, the frequency might be as high as 45 percent. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, a crime against women is reported every three minutes. At least two women are sexually raped every hour, and a young married woman is beaten to death, burned, or driven to suicide every six hours. It’s shocking to find that 28.4% of pregnant women are victims of domestic violence. Men are the most common perpetrators of intimate relationships and sexual violence against women. Women’s exposure to abusive relationships and recognized risk factors has grown as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic and its social and economic consequences, while their access to treatment has been limited. Humanitarian crises and displacement can worsen current forms of violence against women, such as violence perpetrated by intimate partners and non-partner sexual assault, and can also lead to new forms of violence against women.
Women suffer substantial short and long-term physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health problems as a result of intimate relationships (physical, sexual, and psychological) and sexual violence. They also have an impact on the health and well-being of their children. Women, their families, and society bear tremendous social and economic consequences as a result of this abuse.
CAUSES:
While the causes of violence against women and girls are examined from various theoretical perspectives, all have concluded that no single cause adequately accounts for violence against women — through unstable power between men and women remains the common thread. As the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences have noted “ no sort of interpersonal violence against women is barren of structural violence — as, in all places, analogous abuse is sustained by beliefs about the perpetrator’s right to harm another, predicated on societal sundries of gender and rights.”
Attitudes or practices that minimize, condone or justify such violence are in addition contributory, just like the assumption that neighbours should not interfere while a spouse is being beaten due to the fact that could be a “private” remember, or the perception that reporting that a daughter became raped would bring disgrace to the circle of relatives.
Other factors include justification of male use of violence against women and girls within the family, like the assumption that husbands have the proper to physically “discipline” their wives under certain conditions; and placement of individual and family privacy and honour above the security and wellbeing of women and ladies who experience violence.
There’s frequently a tendency to concentrate on individual life histories, stations, and behaviours in dialogues on forestalment of violence against women, but it’s of consummate significance to remember these are just one a part of the ecological model — and continually told by factors in the least other situations.
Why should we work for the elimination of violence against women?
VAWG: Violence against Women and girls is one of the most ubiquitous forms of human rights violation. It is most often unreported due to the shame and stigma surrounding it.
VAWG has negative psychological, sexual, and reproductive health implications for women at all phases of their lives. For instance, early-life educational disadvantages are not only the principal impediment to universal schooling and the right to education for girls; they are also to blame for limiting access to higher education and thus resulting in restricted development and opportunities for women in the labour market.
Gender-based violence happens to anyone, anywhere but women and girls are more vulnerable. For example, women who identify themselves as lesbian, bisexual, intersex, transgender are the main victims and targets of VAWG. The list also extends to younger girls, refugees, migrants, minorities, older women, and women with HIV or other ailments who have to live through the humanitarian crisis.
VAWG includes:
· Intimate partner violence
· Human trafficking
· Child Marriage
· Female genital mutilation
· Sexual violence and harassment
The violence against women was defined by the UN General assembly in 1993 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 violence against women has been a hindrance to their growth, development, peace, and their emotional and physical well-being. SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) cannot be attained without eliminating the violence against women and girls.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women — 2021:
The theme for this year is — “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!”
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women will mark the commencement of the UNiTE to End Violence Against Women campaign (November 25 — December 10) — a 16-day advocacy program culminating on International Human Rights Day (10 December).
Since 2008, the UN Secretary-General and UN Women have spearheaded a worldwide campaign to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls, asking for global action to raise awareness, encourage advocacy, and offer opportunities for dialogue on issues and solutions.
Among its events is a UN official activity scheduled on November 24. (10.00–11.30 A.M. ET.) One may watch the webinar online by registering in advance on the UN Women website. The campaign also involves the release of a new report with updated gender violence data, as well as a slew of digital projects in which one may get involved.
Iconic structures and monuments will be ‘Oranged’ to emphasize the importance of a violence-free future. So, the next time if you see an orange light, remember what it means!
How to Eliminate Crime against Women?
Violence against women is not a new thing. Even before COVID-19, 243 million women and girls worldwide had been mistreated by their intimate relationships in the previous year. The COVID-19 epidemic heightened the violence, even as support systems crumbled and access to assistance grew more difficult.
Here are some methods to make a difference in a safe and meaningful way:
1. Listen to and believe survivors:
When a woman tells her experience of abuse, she is taking the first step in breaking the cycle of abuse. It is up to all of us to provide her with the safe environment she requires to speak up and be heard.
When considering situations of sexual violence, it’s crucial to note that a victim’s sobriety, clothing, and sexuality are all irrelevant. The offender is the sole cause of the assault and must carry complete accountability. Call out victim-blaming and refute the notion that it is the responsibility of women to avoid circumstances that may be deemed “hazardous” by traditional norms. Survivors of violence are speaking up more than ever before, and everyone can help them get justice.
2. Teach the next generation and learn from them:
The examples we set for the next generation influence how they perceive gender, respect, and human rights. Begin talks about gender roles early on, and challenge the typical attributes and features attributed to men and women. Point out the stereotypes that children are exposed to daily, whether in the media, on the street, or at school, and let them know that it is OK to be different. Encourage an accepting culture.
Talk to boys and girls about consent, physical autonomy, and accountability, and listen to what they have to say about their experiences in the world. We can create a brighter future for everybody by arming young advocates with information and educating them on women’s rights.
3. Hold each other accountable:
Sexual harassment in the workplace and public places is one example of occupational violence. Take a stance and call it out when you see it: catcalling, improper sexual remarks and sexist jokes are never acceptable.
Make the atmosphere safer for everyone by forcing your peers to reflect on their behaviour and speaking out when someone crosses the line, or by asking the assistance of others if you don’t feel comfortable. As always, listen to survivors and ensure they receive the necessary assistance.
4. Start a conversation:
Violence against women and girls is a long-standing violation of human rights. It’s ubiquitous, but it’s not unavoidable if we remain quiet. Show your support for survivors and where you stand in the struggle for women’s rights by customizing your social media profile for the 16 Days of Activism — banners for Facebook and Twitter.
You may use the UN Women face filter on Instagram to spread the word and inspire your community to do the same.
5. Fund women’s organizations:
Donate to groups in your community that empower women, raise their voices, help survivors, and promote acceptance of all gender identities and sexualities. UN Women collaborates with women’s groups throughout the world to eradicate violence against women, aid survivors, and ensure equal rights for all women and girls.
References -
- https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day
- https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/media-advisory/2021/11/media-advisory-international-day-for-the-elimination-of-violence-against-women-25-november
- https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/take-action/16-days-of-activism
- https://sdg.iisd.org/events/international-day-for-the-elimination-of-violence-against-women-2021/
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women
- https://www.paho.org/en/campaigns/international-day-elimination-violence-against-women-2021
- https://nupge.ca/content/international-day-elimination-violence-against-women-2021#:~:text=This%20year's%20theme%20is%20%E2%80%9COrange,more%20at%20UN%20Women's%20website%20.
Written by Shubh Mittal, Priyanshu Kumar, Ishita Sarkar, Harshini A.
