Time for change – no more violence against women
It’s the 21st century, but violence against women is still one of the biggest issues facing the global female population. Women’s rights have progressed leaps and bounds over the past century, but violence against women still impinges on the success, quality of life, choices, education and sexuality of women around the world. Many human rights issues are more prominent in poverty and conflict stricken nations. But violence against women is a global problem, and one of the most widespread abuses of human rights.
Violence hampers the closing of the gender inequality gap. But it’s 2011, and it’s time for change. Growing awareness of the high incidence of such violence, and proactive attempts to combat it will help to improve the situation, lives and progress of individual women, families, communities and nations.
– What is violence against women? Violence against women is violence or abuse directed at a woman because of her gender. Violence against women can occur in both private and public life.
– Violence against women stats. Violence against women is a global issue, and statistics show alarming rates and incidences of violence occurring around the world. Violence occurs globally, however there is a link between poverty, conflict and violence against women. Where conflict and poverty exists, women are generally more vulnerable to violence.
A few stats:
– Every year, 60 million girls are sexually assaulted at or on their way to school. (USAID, 2008)
– In England and Wales, two women a week, on average, are killed by a violent partner or ex-partner. (Home Office, 2005)
– Every 9 seconds, a woman in the United States is beaten (2001).
– 500 women were raped by armed men in eastern Congo in July and August 2010. (2010).
– In South Africa, a woman is raped every 9 seconds (2010).
* What fuels the abuse and violence? The statistics and incidence of violence are shocking. But what is behind it? Conflict and poverty fuel violence against women in war torn and impoverished countries. But violence against women stems from the subordination of women by men throughout history. The legacy of such practices and patriarchal societies remain. In Nigeria, for example, 10 out of 36 states have laws that allow husbands to use physical force against their wives. Women are often also exploited by those in power, particularly in times of social breakdown or crisis.
* Implications of violence and abuse. Victims of violence and abuse can experience long lasting physical and psychological repercussions. But violence against women also carries significant costs for families, communities and countries. Violence affects a woman’s ability to contribute to society, by limiting their access to education and the workforce. The physical and psychological damage inflicted on women also comes at a cost to a country’s infrastructure – whether that is through health, police or court costs. Most importantly, violence against women slows down the significant progress that has been made. It a consequence of gender inequality, but also a cause of the perpetuation of the subordination of women.
* What can be done? Violence against women needs to be combated on a local, national and international scale. There are international laws and legal frameworks in place in regards to this issue. UN Resolutions 1325 and 1820 mandate the international community to protect women from sexual violence during war. This is an attempt to ensure that women can play an important role in the peace building process. Around the world, there are also organisations and activists working at every level to stop violence against women. Increased support, funding and awareness of these initiatives will go a long way to reduce the incidence of violence against women.
ActionAid Australia’s ‘Women for Influence’ campaign is one such project, which began in Denmark in 2007. Currently, the ‘Women for Influence’ campaign is focusing on the women of Afghanistan, and hopes to empower vulnerable Afghani women so they can help fight violence against fellow women. A proportion of funds raised will go towards paralegal training for Afghani women.
Violence against women is a gross violation of human rights, and further emphasis and efforts directed at eradicating this issue are crucial to combating violence against women worldwide.
What are you doing to help?
Aid organisations such as www.actionaid.org.au are committed to helping women claim and secure their rights through a number of programs and initiatives.
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