“How to control the violence against women?” (part 2)"

Gender inequality, the abuse of power, and negative norms are the core causes of gender-based violence, which is defined as harmful acts committed against a person based on their gender. Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a problem for both public health and human rights. In addition to threats, coercion, child and early forced marriage, female genital mutilation, and so-called "honour killings," it can also involve physical, sexual, economic, and psychological violence.

Sadly, one in three women (35%) in the world is predicted to face sexual or physical violence at some point in their lives. This number has essentially not altered during the past ten years. Low-income nations are also disproportionately affected by violence against women and girls.

Increase the visibility of young women and girls in discussions concerning their sexual and reproductive healthcare and rights

All discussions aimed at changing policy ought to be led and populated by survivors. Other survivors may feel more comfortable speaking up without worrying about being stigmatised if discussions about sexuality and gender are courteous and “survivor-centred.”

Stand up against the normalization of sexual violence in all its forms

The societal setting is known as “rape culture” makes it possible for sexual assault to be accepted and justified. The first step in eradicating sexual violence is to acknowledge its normalisation. Men and boys can be educated on healthy masculinity, respectful relationships, and consent, among other strategies. Leaders that appreciate, uphold, and adhere to their human rights commitments to gender equality can also be of assistance.

Call for adequate support services

Many women and girls do not have access to the most basic free services that are necessary for their safety, protection, and recovery, such as psychosocial counselling, safe housing, adequate police and justice responses, and sexual and reproductive health care. These services are scarce and understaffed where they do exist. Governments must offer survivors of gender-based violence free assistance, as well as thorough training for medical professionals. People can contribute to campaigns that call for proper financing for assistance programmes.

Comprehensive sexuality education

Comprehensive sexuality education is essential to teach children and teenagers about their interactions with one another, their bodily autonomy, and the fact that consent must always be freely provided. It is beneficial for young people’s health and well-being, in the long run, to provide them with information about their rights and safe, healthy relationships.

Educate young people but also listen to them

While education is important, it’s as important to hear about the experiences of young people if we want to empower the following generation. Young people are more likely to want to bring about change if they feel heard.

Take time to educate yourself on gender-based issues

Learn the symptoms of gender-based abuse and violence and how to support someone who needs it. If you know where to look, you can find support for victims of gender-based violence. What you do today could help someone tomorrow.

Challenge gender norms that lead to gender inequality

Unhealthy gender norms can cause gender inequity, which in turn can increase the prevalence of gender-based violence. For instance, gender stereotypes might prevent girls from pursuing school and higher-paying careers, limiting their independence, increasing their reliance on men for financial support, and making it challenging for them to escape abusive situations. The voices and experiences of girls may also be neglected or discounted as a result of gender norms. We can improve gender equality and lessen gender-based violence by confronting and altering detrimental social norms.

Support each other and condemn violence against women 

Divided, we fall; united, we stand. To achieve gender equality and put an end to violence against women, it is crucial to support women and those fighting against gender-based violence; this includes governments and leaders denouncing all forms of discrimination and violence against women. Supporting a survivor, sharing a post on social media, or working a helpline are all options for individuals. We can all live in a safer environment if we assist one another.

Use social media

Using social media to spark a dialogue and express support for victims of gender-based violence is just one tiny action that can influence communities.

Share success stories, positive role models and solutions that work

People are more inspired to contribute to changing the world when they perceive good role models and solutions. Also crucial is the portrayal that is both positive and inclusive.

Protect women and girls in digital spaces

Due to legal loopholes, misogyny is rampant in digital settings, where women and girls are frequently the targets of cyber-flashing, revenge porn, and other types of cyber-gender-based abuse. Women must be protected by the law, and measures for content filtering must be in place.

Understand that it takes everyone to make a change

Everyone must take part in any effective campaign to eradicate violence against women. Governments, leaders, and those who use violence or implicitly support it are all included in this. Violence against women cannot be eradicated by ourselves.

Controlling violence against women as parents

Children need to be taught about respectful relationships, gender equality, and positive views toward girls and women if violence against women is to be prevented.

In both the short and long terms, you can influence your child’s attitudes and behaviour by:

• Teaching young people that violence against women is never acceptable

• Gender equality education for your children and positive attitudes toward women and girls

• Being a respectable role model in your personal relationships.

You are essential in fostering polite attitudes in your kids. That’s because you serve as their primary role model.

Your child has to understand that any form of violence, whether it be verbal, physical, or emotional, is never acceptable. Here are some practical ways you might aid your youngster in comprehending this concept:

• Teach your youngster to distinguish between violence and hostility.

• Inform your child that peer aggression or violence is never acceptable and that they are under no obligation to put up with it.

• Never use phrases like “Boys will be boys” or “He didn’t mean to injure you” to justify rough or violent behaviour.

• Teach your child how to resolve disputes through dialogue and analytical thinking.

• When your youngster solves an issue using words and skills, praise them.

Gender inequality and disrespectful, sexist ideas and behaviours toward women and girls are the root causes of violence against women. These include the ideas that girls and women:

• Not as good as boys and guys

• Do not merit the same opportunity or consideration as men and boys.

• Just because they are women and females, they should or shouldn’t do certain things.

Sometimes people are unaware of their sexist ideas. Whether they realise it or not, it is unacceptable for people to treat women poorly or to abuse them physically or emotionally.

Conclusion

Violence and gender are related in a complex way. Evidence, however, indicates that gender disparities reduce the capacity of those impacted to seek protection and raise the danger of violence by men against women. The most prevalent kind of violence against women, which is committed by intimate partners, is the subject of this briefing. Evidence suggests that school, community, and media interventions can advance gender equality and stop violence against women by dispelling myths that give men the upper hand over women, while more study is required in this area.