The issue of violence against women has been a societal malaise that has endured for far too many generations. It’s a blight that has stained the fabric of societies around the globe, from the most developed nations to the least. It is a complex phenomenon, rooted in gender inequality, cultural norms, and systemic structures that perpetuate its existence. As we progress further into the 21st century, it is time that we take a firm and unyielding stand against this issue, striving to eliminate violence against women from all corners of our world.
The most disturbing aspect of violence against women is its pervasiveness. It transcends borders, socioeconomic status, and cultures. It takes many forms, from domestic abuse and sexual violence, to harmful practices like female genital mutilation and forced marriages. The World Health Organization has estimated that one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence. This is not just a statistic; it is a shocking testament to the magnitude of the problem.
The effects of this violence are devastating, impacting not only the immediate victims but also the wider community. Women who have experienced violence often suffer physical and mental health issues, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even suicidal tendencies. This, in turn, affects their ability to work, study, and participate fully in society. Furthermore, witnessing violence in the household can have a profound effect on children’s development and future relationships.
However, the fight against violence towards women is not a lost cause. Real and tangible change can be achieved if we address it collectively, integrating action into multiple sectors of society. The solution lies in a holistic approach that includes legal measures, education, and community transformation.
Legislation plays a significant role in protecting women against violence. Laws must not only criminalize violence against women but also provide support services for survivors. This includes access to medical care, legal assistance, and safe houses. Governments should also ensure that the justice system is responsive and not retraumatizing for survivors, as too often, victims are further victimized by the very systems meant to protect them.
Education is an equally potent tool. Schools should not only educate about gender equality but also model it within their structures, promoting respect and understanding between the sexes from an early age. Universities should have strict policies against sexual harassment and assault, providing a safe environment for all students.
Change also has to come from within communities. Cultural norms that perpetuate male dominance and female subordination need to be challenged. Men and boys should be involved in this process, as they can play a crucial role in dismantling harmful attitudes and behaviors.
Many experts are of the opinion that elaborate legislations enshrining various rights for women are useless unless they are safeguarded. The women activists have also been demanding setting up of hospitals exclusively meant for treating women who have been subjected to physical and mental torture. There are host of other measures which the government can take for the betterment of the women victims.
Law enforcement agencies must gear up to take pre emptive measures to curb those factors which become responsible for the violence against women. We as the responsible citizens can also play an important role in curbing any form of violence against women by education our youth about the same. On criminal scale, cases from acid attacks to horrendous rapes should be held in fast track courts so that exemplary punishment is given to the culprits involved in these heinous crimes. This can be done by making trial process more effective so that speedy justice can be given to the victims without any delay
Finally, it is vital to fund research into violence against women. By understanding the root causes and consequences of this violence, we can develop effective strategies to prevent it. Moreover, data collection is essential to monitor progress and hold governments accountable.
Eradicating violence against women requires a global effort. It involves every one of us – governments, communities, and individuals. It requires us to confront and challenge our biases, prejudices, and the systems that uphold them. As we strive towards a more equitable and just world, let us remember that no woman should live in fear of violence. It is time we all take a stand and commit to creating a world where women are safe, respected, and valued for the incredible contributions they make to our society. We owe it to our mothers, our sisters and to all the women across the globe.
(Author is PhD in Sociology and a columnist. He works in an international NGO and is based in Pune)
