How shameful it sounds to society that ‘Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed.’ yes that is part of the slogan of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women observed on November 25. As violence knows no limits the numbers are increasing massively even after having rules and regulations against it. In 2024 on November 25 we need to understand the causes, history, laws to overcome violence, and more of having no violence performed globally. Somewhere it shows the incompatibility of society only that we as a human failed to create a safe place for the well being.
In a culture where one should show gratitude to the women we are still fighting against violence however not all acts of violence end with misery instead, they mark history by overcoming the violence happening against them. As International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2024 theme, “Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women” gives a reminder to fight against violence unitedly.
Table of Contents
Understanding what is Violence against women?
Violence not only means any physical harm but it also means violating someone’s physical, mental, or sexual boundaries. According to the United Nations violence against women is “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.”
This violence can take place in various forms knowingly or unknowingly. Below are some of the forms mentioned that any woman should not neglect as patriarchal norms and deep-rooted stereotypes have made this violence common.
- Physical violence: Domestic abuse, assault, or even murder.
- Sexual violence: Rape, sexual harassment, and trafficking for sexual exploitation.
- Psychological violence: Emotional abuse, gaslighting, or controlling behaviour.
- Economic violence: Denial of financial independence, unequal pay, or exploitation in the workplace.
History Behind the Day
The significance of November 25 lies in its history. This day was chosen to honour the Mirabal sisters—Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa—three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by the orders of dictator Rafael Trujillo. The sisters, known as “Las Mariposas” (The Butterflies), became symbols of resistance and courage in the fight against oppression.
In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This day also introduces the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual campaign that concludes on December 10, Human Rights Day.
The root causes of the violence
The root causes of the violence are bound with societal and patriarchal norms along with gender stereotypes and systematic inequalities. The very core problem is gender inequality in our patriarchal society. Male dominance has always been a setback to women’s growth. Practices like dowry, and child marriage have normalized violence in many regions. Economic dependence not only makes women vulnerable but also more prone to accept violence. Limited education hinders her way to empowerment leading to generational trauma. Weak legal protections that enforce survivors without justice create a cycle of abuse. Addressing the root causes requires education, change, economic empowerment, and active community involvement to end the structure of violence.
Statistics on Violence Against Women
The stark reality of violence against women is underscored by global statistics:
- According to UN Women, 1 in 3 women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
- 137 women are killed daily by a member of their family, a grim reminder of the threat women face even within their own homes.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic violence cases surged, revealing the “shadow pandemic” of abuse occurring behind closed doors.
- These statistics not only represent some numbers but also highlight the real lives that are affected due to the violence murdering dreams and the future of the well-being.
Also Read: NGO in Women Empowerment Their Approaches Adopted by NGOs
How Violence against women can be eliminated
Violence against women can be eliminated by practising significant things that address its root causes.
To eliminate Violence against women we can follow some key strategies mentioned below:
- Educating communities about gender equality, rights of women, and violence terms.
- Introducing rights of women and gender-sensitive topics in the school curriculum.
- Awareness campaigns should be held from time to time along with conducting workshops for men, women, and all age groups to build an understanding of healthy relationships.
- In the era of technology, you can use social media platforms actively to speak against violence. Social media campaigns like #metoo, and #EndViolence have gained attention online.
- Robust laws against violence should be enacted and enforced effectively along with policies that support women and give courage to speak against violence.
- A woman’s financial stability reduces the chances of violence against her. Providing job opportunities, and equal pay can help her become financially self-reliant.
- We can create safe spaces to protect women against violence and provide safety to the survivors.
- Grassroots initiatives should be taken to support local organizations to empower women and raise awareness.
- Involving men to support the campaigns and the cause equally.
- Involving technology to ace the issue can play a major role. Leveraging digital platforms to create awareness.
How violence not only affect women but also society
Violence against women not only affects the women involved but is also reflected in society. While the violence happens the victim goes through chronic health issues physically and mentally. Not recovering from the trauma leads to depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Many people face generational trauma because of some violence that happened to them or their surroundings. Women unable to work due to violence limits the women’s ability to contribute is stalling progress towards gender inequality, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Also Read: Role of NGO in Women Empowerment in India
Role of NGOs in International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
NGOs play a pivotal role in the fight against violations against women and girls by volunteering to raise awareness and advocacy. NGOs thoroughly contribute to survival support and empowering victims to stand against violence. NGOs often collaborate with governments, corporations, and international organizations. NGOs like Breakthrough in India focus on challenging cultural norms that perpetuate violence against women through their community programs and media campaigns.
Globally renowned NGO Equality Now works on issues like child marriage, sex trafficking, and female genital mutilation (FGM), which are major issues occurring. NGOs like Women for Women International help women empower women to become community leaders and change their lives by promoting education, vocational training, and emotional support. One of the Major issues that hinder the way to stop violence is the deep-rooted stigma regarding reporting sexual violence. NGOs and Governments are collectively operating rape crisis centers for immediate assistance to the survivors. NGOs work from the grassroots level approaching the survivors to build trust and come out stronger. NGOs fill the gap that governments and international organizations cannot.
Stories of survival
Amidst high statistics numbers, some survivors have come out of it and turned into active advocates for the issue. The stories of survivors should be collected to inspire countless women facing violence. The women have come forward against violence creating stories of resilience that can empower women to rebuild lives. Women for Women organization led by survivors has made significant strides in women’s lives.
Also Read: Role of NGOs in Girl Child Education
Men’s Role Against Violence
Ending violence is not solely a women’s issue, men in the society also need to come forward to raise voices against it. If we start educating boys early on, we can see a significant reduction in the issue. Encouraging men to vouch for gender equality by challenging toxic masculinity can dismantle the patriarchal structure of society which is one of the major causes of violence against women. Programs like HeForShe have proven that Men and women coming together has been a great initiative against the issue.
How can you Contribute?
Fighting against violence is not a person’s responsibility everyone needs to put in efforts collectively. Everyone can contribute to this by doing simple things like educating themself or supporting the survivors. To spread awareness about the issue we must learn about the violence against women and how we can control it. You can conduct small workshops, and discussions and build communities.
If we want to make change we need to start from ourselves by challenging the gender norms. Speak out against sexist jokes, stereotypes, and behaviours. Promote equitable practices in your personal and professional life. You can actively donate to the NGOs working for the aid of survival. Or just become a volunteer in any social event or local organization. These steps look basic but hold a significant value that can contribute to society.
Also Read: Role of UNHRC in Safeguarding Human Rights
Looking Forward
While many people have come forward against violence against women there’s still a long way to go which requires dedication, commitment, and zeel to create a safe and fear-free environment for everyone. The day is a reminder to break the silence and stand strong against violence no matter in which form it is happening. Collectively we can build a future of dignity, respect, and equality for all. So on this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women To eradicate violence against women, society must address the root causes, support survivors, and implement systemic changes.
