How can we end violence against women?

we have to end global violence against women

Did you know that across the world, 1 out of 3 women will at some point in her life experience violence? According to the International Women's Development Agency (IWDA), gender inequality is still the root cause for violence against women – which asserts once again that tackling gender-based violence cannot have a top down solution but must address the very foundation of gender inequality and the rights of women first.

This year's International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is themed 'Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands Against Rape', and has kickstarted a 16-day activism campaign across the world. From schools, homes, the streets and workplaces to child marriages, genital mutilation and psychological violence.

Join FairPlanet from the 25th of November until December 10th and support any organisation, movement or activity that seeks to raise awareness and curtail violence against women and girls.

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The good

It has never been a better time in the history of humanity to be a woman

While you are reading these words, in this very moment, women in a large part of the world have never had this much equality, opportunity, accessibility and safety. However, we are far from reaching a planet that values the safety of women equally to that of men.

From safety on the street, safety within a nation as an equal citizen, domestic safety and even safety when it comes to the innovation that is leading our society. AI gender bias is one, and surprisingly, according to the World Economic Forum, "Women are 47% more likely to suffer severe injuries in car crashes because safety features are designed for men".

As we march toward 2020 it is clear that women are dominating our landscape, but we cannot leave anyone behind and tackling violence and lack of safety is a number one priority.

The bad

violence against women is reportedly highest in the Asia pacific

And India has been known for its gender-based discrimination and violence, particularly within the domestic setting. Back in 2014, the United Nations described the violence against women in India as a systemic, labelling it a "womb to tomb" issue. And within that, sexual violence is rife. Stats from 2016 showed that one case of rape is reported in India on average every 15 minutes.

In a bid to curtail the problem, the Women’s Justice Initiative (WJI) operates as part of the Human Rights Law Network and is a network of lawyers and activists working to defend women’s rights across India. The organisation works with women and girls who have experienced any form of violence – psychological, physical, domestic and trafficking – and provides aid across the board. From legal aid to mental health support.

Find out more about the WJI and see how you can help support its crucial cause and mission.

The Women’s Justice Initiative fights for women’s rights in India

by Yair Oded

The Women's Justice Initiative fight for women's rights all across India, representing individual women while advocating for broad policy changes.

Support

From girls and women around the world

	The world must unite in actualising women and girls' rights by Bob Koigi The world cannot afford to let women and children down. Read

	Ending the stigma: How to start a menstrual health revolution in Myanmar by Henriette Ceyrac Pan Ka Lay work to dispel the socio-cultural stigma and increase education surrounding menstruation in Myanmar. Read

	Hope for African women as more governments make laws to fight cyber bullying by Cyril Zenda In October 2019, South Africa passed an updated version of its cyber law that include provisions that specifically criminalise non-consensual pornography (commonly known as revenge porn). Read

Country focus

Myanmar

Officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a Southeast Asian country bordering Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand.

From 1962 to 2011, Myanmar was under the rule of an oppressive military group. Under its rule and the generals who controlled the country, Myanmar citizens were subject to severe oppression and ramped human rights violations. In 2015 the country went through elections following the dismantling of the military rule that began in 2011. Aung San Suu Kyi's government went into power. However since 2017, military attacks against alleged terrorists in Rakhine State have forced more than half a million Muslim Rohingyas out of the country in a violent operation of ethnic cleansing.

Most media outlets are still controlled by the state and media freedom has reportedly not been a priority for the current government.

All stories about Myanmar

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