“There is one universal truth, which is applicable to all countries, cultures and communities : violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable and never tolerable.”
– Ban Ki-moon (The 8th Secretary General of United Nations)
We are all aware of an old and popular saying, “Behind every successful man, there is a woman” . It emphasizes on the fact that men’s success depends on the work and support of women in their lives. She could be a mother, grandmother, wife, or perhaps sister as well. Women are the most precious gift of God to mankind. They have the ability to captivate everyone with their kind, caring, cheerful, charming and dynamic personality. That is why, every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day is celebrated to acknowledge the immense hardships and challenges faced by women in the society. Day by day women feel unsafe in the society. Inspite of various global pacts, laws and gender activism, women remain extremely vulnerable to domestic violence, child marriage, abduction, abortion, honour killing, sexual assault, human trafficking and even murder. The United Nations General Assembly marked 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, on 17th December 1999. Moreover many government bodies, NGOs and international organizations were invited to organize various activities to raise public awareness of the problem on that day. It also precedes Human Rights Day on December 10 and marks the beginning of “16 Days of Activism” every year.
History of the day
The resolution of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was first introduced by the Dominican Republic which commemorates the death anniversary of three political activist sisters, Patricia, Maria Teresa and Minerva Mirabal who were assassinated on 25th November 1960. The Mirabal sisters also known as “Las Mariposas” (The Butterflies) were born in the Domican province of Salcedo. They were well educated and were married with children. At that time, Domican Republic was ruled by a popular and notorious tyrant, Rafael Trujillo. His period of reign was considered to be the bloodiest era ever. The nation witnessed large number of murders, tortures and disappearances of those who dared to oppose the Trujillo regime. But the three courageous sisters along with the support of their life partners led a clandestine underground movement to overthrow Trujillo’s dictatorship. They were threatened and even sent to prison several times but they didn’t give up. Finally Trujillo decided to get rid of them. He order his henchmen to kill them. So on 25th November 1960, when the sisters were on their way home in a car after visiting their imprisoned husbands, they were seized, brutally beaten and strangled to death by the henchmen. Later on the car was pushed into a ravine to make it appear like an accident. The assassination of the Minarba sisters spread like a wildfire and it caused an outrage all over the nation. Ultimately it paved the way for Trujillo’s own assassination six months later.
Violence and other Threats Faced by Women Worldwide
Few years back, some world leaders vowed to uproot all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls by 2030, allowing them to live freely and safely, thereby giving them opportunities to participate equally in political, economic and public life. But despite this pledge, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in three women globally experience violence and threat during their lifetime which are commited by their intimate partners. About 750 million girls are married before 18 years of age resulting in teen pregnancies that can put their health at risk. Furthermore it also increases illiteracy and unemployment.
The safety and well-being of women isn’t only violated or threatened during wars and conflicts. It is threatened in their daily lives in both public and private spheres, even in times of peace. In 2018, The Thompson Reuters Foundation, which is the world’s largest news and information provider based in London, proclaimed India as the most dangerous country for women followed by Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia and Saudi Arabia. However it is based on an opinion poll rather than any reports or data. Furthermore the social issue of Love Jihad is at the peak in which Muslim men target women of other communities for conversion to Islam by feigning love. This conspiracy has its root in India but it has spread overseas in United Kingdom, Myanmar, Pakistan etc. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, many reports and data depicts that the violence against women and girls, has intensified.
Some Effective Ways to Prevent and Control Violence against Women
Violence against women is predominant and inevitable. It happens not only in private and public places but also in virtual online spaces. This is primarily driven by a belief that women are inferior to men. Every year large number of protests and rallies are done worldwide for women safety and rights, but government and law enforcements are least bothered about it. Women’s safety should be given utmost priority. Following are some ways by which such heinous deeds can be prevented or controlled to a greater extent :-
1.) Strict law and order must be enforced to protect women from discrimination and violence, including rape, verbal abuse, mutilation, torture, “honor” killings and trafficking.
2.) Government and NGOs must educate community members on their responsibilities and inculcate the importance of women safety.
3.) Proper guidance support and training must be provided to strengthen women’s ability to earn money and stand on their own legs.
4.) The drawbacks of early and forced child marriages should be brought to light to the society.
5.) The importance of girl’s education and women’s participation in economic development should be highlighted.
6.) Women must be provided helpline number and other safety kits like camera, location sensor, apps, alarms etc to protect themselves when they are alone at home or outside.
7.) Women must learn martial arts and other self-defence techniques so that they can tackle the situation bravely without expecting anyone’s help.
The unceasing cases of violence against women is a human rights violation and it cannot be ignored. It should be a responsibility of every citizen to stand united and raise their voice against violence and injustice on women.Whatever may be the consequence, one should not give up and surrender. A society where its women do not feel safe and respected is not worth calling a society. The journey of a woman at any stage of her life can be either extremely beautiful or extremely disastrous, and it entirely depends on the society she is living. So let’s ignite the spark of knowledge in our ignorant mind and take an oath to respect and support each and every woman irrespective of her age, cast, colour etc to ward off the darkness prevailing in the society forever and to make this universe a better place to live in.
- By Richie Elangical
