Definition of Gender Based Violence
Gender based violence is any harmful act done to a person because of their gender. The United Nations explains that gender based violence includes physical harm, sexual harm, or mental harm. This violence can happen in public places or in private homes. Gender based violence affects millions of women and girls around the world every single day.
How Common is Gender Based Violence?
According to the World Health Organization and United Nations report, gender based violence affects many women globally. The numbers show that one in four women between ages 15 and 49 have experienced gender based violence at least once in their lives. This means 25.8 percent of women have faced this problem.
More than 840 million women aged 15 and above have experienced gender based violence in their lifetime. Within the past year alone, 13.7 percent of women have faced gender based violence from their intimate partners.
Types of Gender Based Violence
Gender based violence takes many different forms. Understanding these types helps people recognize and stop gender based violence.
Physical Violence
Physical gender based violence includes hitting, pushing, or causing bodily harm to someone. This type of gender based violence leaves visible injuries and can cause serious health problems.
Sexual Violence
Sexual gender based violence involves forcing someone into unwanted sexual acts. This form of gender based violence violates a person’s body and dignity.
Digital Violence
Digital gender based violence is a growing problem in today’s world. Cyberstalking is one example of digital gender based violence. Cyberstalking means someone tracks another person’s activities online or through their phone without permission.
Imagine getting a text message from a stranger who knows everything you did that day and where you went. This frightening situation is what many women and girls face today. Digital gender based violence also includes cyberbullying and sexual harassment online.
Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate partner violence is the most common type of gender based violence that women experience. This happens when someone hurts their romantic partner. The gender based violence statistics show that intimate partner violence affects women in every country.
Gender Based Violence Statistics Around the World
The numbers about gender based violence are very serious. Research shows that 19 percent of women and girls experienced gender based violence in just the past year.
Gender Based Violence in Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa has high rates of gender based violence. The data shows that 31.9 percent of women aged 15 to 49 in Sub-Saharan Africa have experienced intimate partner violence. This means almost one in three women has been hurt by a partner at least once.
Countries with the highest rates of gender based violence in Africa include Sierra Leone at 55.2 percent, South Sudan at 54.3 percent, and Equatorial Guinea at 53.3 percent. Eighteen of the 33 countries with the highest gender based violence levels are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Gender Based Violence in Other Regions
Oceania, not including Australia and New Zealand, has the highest lifetime rates of intimate partner violence at 56.9 percent. Central Asia shows 30.8 percent of women experiencing gender based violence. Southern Asia reports 20.1 percent of women facing this problem.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence
Every year, the world observes 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence. This campaign runs from November 25 to December 10. These dates are important because they connect two special days.
November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. December 10 is Human Rights Day. Together, these 16 days focus global attention on stopping gender based violence.
This Year’s Theme
The 2024 theme for 16 Days of Activism is “unite to end digital violence against all women and girls.” This theme highlights how gender based violence is spreading into online spaces. The theme calls everyone to work together to stop digital forms of gender based violence.
Why Gender Based Violence is a Crisis
The World Health Organization calls gender based violence a major public health crisis and human rights crisis. Behind every number about gender based violence is a real woman or girl whose health, safety, and rights have been violated.
Gender based violence affects women’s physical health, mental health, and ability to live freely. Women who experience gender based violence may suffer from injuries, depression, anxiety, and other serious problems.
What Experts Say About Gender Based Violence
Medical experts and human rights workers agree that gender based violence must stop. The Medical Women Association of Nigeria has joined the global call to end gender based violence. Francess Ayaebene, a member of this group, said that every woman and girl deserves safety at home and on her phone.
Health systems around the world are working to provide care and support for survivors of gender based violence. Governments are strengthening policies and laws to prevent gender based violence and protect women.
Progress in Fighting Gender Based Violence
Communities across the world are challenging unfair gender norms that lead to gender based violence. People are speaking up about gender based violence and demanding change.
However, the World Health Organization warns that progress remains slow. Since the year 2000, there have been only small reductions in gender based violence globally. This shows an urgent need to eliminate all forms of gender based violence as quickly as possible.
How to Prevent Gender Based Violence
Preventing gender based violence requires action from everyone. Here are ways communities can work to stop gender based violence:
Communities must teach people that gender based violence is wrong and unacceptable. Schools can educate children about respect and equality. Governments must create and enforce strong laws against gender based violence.
Health workers need training to recognize signs of gender based violence and help survivors. Technology companies must develop better tools to stop digital gender based violence and protect users online.
Everyone can speak out against gender based violence when they see it. Supporting survivors of gender based violence and believing their stories is crucial.
The Human Cost of Gender Based Violence
Gender based violence destroys lives and tears apart families. Women who experience gender based violence may struggle to work, care for their children, or participate in their communities.
Children who witness gender based violence in their homes often suffer emotional trauma. The effects of gender based violence can last for years or even a lifetime.
Gender based violence also costs societies money through healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and legal costs. But the human suffering caused by gender based violence cannot be measured in money alone.
Taking Action Against Gender Based Violence
The fight against gender based violence needs everyone’s participation. Researchers study gender based violence to understand its causes and find solutions. Advocates speak up for survivors and push for better laws and policies.
Organizations provide shelters, counseling, and legal help for women escaping gender based violence. Healthcare providers treat injuries and offer mental health support to survivors of gender based violence.
Every person can make a difference in ending gender based violence. Learning about gender based violence, supporting survivors, and demanding accountability from those who commit violence are all important steps.
Conclusion
Gender based violence is a serious global problem that affects millions of women and girls every day. Understanding what gender based violence is, recognizing its different forms, and knowing the statistics helps everyone work toward solutions. While progress has been slow, communities, governments, and individuals worldwide are uniting to end gender based violence in all its forms. Together, through education, strong policies, and collective action, we can create a world where every woman and girl lives free from gender based violence.
For more resources and information about gender issues and supporting survivors, visit genderpedia.ng/shop to access helpful materials and guides.
