gender and violenc
TRANSCRIPT
B. R. SIWALDeputy DirectorWomen Development DivisionNIPCCD, New Delhiemail: [email protected][email protected]
GENDER BASED VIOLENCEGENDER BASED VIOLENCE
SEX:
Is identity, the biological difference between men and women
Is genetically determined Is fact of human biology, we are born
male or female
Gender
Gender” refers to the socially constructed roles and responsibilities of women and men, in a given culture or location. Gender refers to widely-shared expectations and norms within a society about male and female behaviour, characteristics and roles.
GENDER
Is how we are shaped after born in society
Identity of men and women is socially psychologically and culturally determined e.g. role, attitude, behaviour, relationship and values
Is a relational term that include both men and women and their social relationships
Is stereotyped image of men and women
Gender may determine self concept and self esteem
Describe the different power structure inherent in relationship
Identity is constantly reinforced by society
Is constructed by society and therefore can be changed
Is learnt through the process of socialization through the culture of the society
Is a variable it changes from time to time, culture to culture even family to family
Is learned from birth and reinforced by parent, teachers and peers
Is but one of a number of other differential e.g. caste, class, relationship, religion, race etc.
Gender-based violence
Gender-based violence refers to all forms of violence that happen to women, girls and men because of the unequal power relations between them and the perpetrators of such violence. Violence against women is supported and/or legitimised by gender norms, values and beliefs in the superiority of males and subordination of women
Violence Against Women
“Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to results in , physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivations of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.”
Factors Contributing to Violence against Women and Girls The unequal power relations between females and
males in society is the root cause of gender-based violence.
attitudes in society that define women as inferior, the property of men
a preference for sons over daughters for cultural or economic reasons;
Females are perceived and even socialised to believe that they are weak, inferior and needing direction, guidance and disciplining.
Traditions, customs, beliefs and attitudes are used to justify the subordination and violation of women’s rights.
Women are the gatekeepers of the traditions, customs, practices and attitudes, passed on through generations.
the perception that violence against women is a private matter and should not be talked about outside the family;
the failure of police and other authorities to act when violence is reported;
high rates of acquittal by courts by those accused of such violence;
an acceptance as a reasonable defence of violence that the victim has ruined her own or her family’s honour;
Types of Violence Against Women 1. Domestic violence 2. Sexual slavery, prostitution and international trafficking
of women 3. Incest 4. Reproductive rights violation 5. Rape 6. Sexual harassment 7. Sex discrimination 8. Medical abuse 9. Abuse of women with physical and mental disabilities 10. Culture bound practices harmful to women
11. Ritual abuse within religious cults 12. Marital rape 13. Pornography and abuse of women in media 14. Abuse of women in internal refugee or relocation camps 15. Custodial abuse 16. Female feticide 17. Dowry related violence and murder18. Women under armed conflict situation19. Women of the ‘dalit’ group, unsociability problem 20. Victimization of women due to discriminatory laws
Homicide Suicide Maternal mortality Infant mortality AIDS-related mortality
Fatal Outcomes
Acute Physical Injury Shock Disease Infection
Chronic Physical
Disability Somatic complaints Chronic infections Chronic pain Gastrointestinal problems Eating disorders Sleep disorders Alcohol/drug abuse
Psychological/Emotional Consequences Post traumatic stress Depression Anxiety, fear Anger Shame Insecurity, Self-hate, self-blame
Reproductive
Miscarriage Unwanted pregnancy Unsafe abortion Sexually transmitted infections (STIs),
including HIV/AIDS Menstrual disorders Pregnancy complications; infertility Gynecological disorders Sexual disorders
Why is it difficult for women to escape a violent relationship:
Financial dependence on the man.
Fear of being battered or killed by the partner.
Love for the partner. The desire to be together.
Fear of losing her child.
• Hope that things would get better with time, and that she would be able to control the situation.
• Fear that divorce would cause psychological trauma to the children.
• Fear of being treated as a failure by family, friends and society.
• Religious convictions.• Feelings of despair and helplessness
(“Nothing will help”).• Unfavorable reaction of society towards
the problem in general (existing stereotypes)
• The inappropriate attitude of relative .
• Self-blame for the violence towards her.• Fear that the partner might do some
harm, which would damage her professional or social image, or her close relatives and friends.
• Sufficient time is needed to plan and arrange her departure.
What Needs To Be Done To Challenge Gender-based Violence? Analyze the various forms of masculinity;
reveal the violent forms, and work towards changing them.
Reveal and question the values promoting or glamorising violence
Analyze and question male roles and ideals, the concept of “male honour” prevailing in male cultures.
Develop and value fatherhood; develop the skills and qualities of fatherhood among men and boys.
Integrate a gender perspective into school education to create awareness, relationship of equality and mutual respect.
Shelters for providing emergency support Counselling for victims of violence; Community action groups dealing with
prevention, protection and advocacy;
Help men to abandon their violent behaviour by establishing support and therapy services and providing appropriate therapies.
Encourage men to establish their own groups and voluntary activities to combat men’s violence against women, and support such movements.
Increase the proportion of women in politics, foreign policy and international decision-making.
Promote and secure equality between women and men
Personal Change The elimination of gender-based violence starts
with the individual decision not to tolerate any form of violence by self and others.
Participants to the training are role models who must make personal commitments to live violence-free lives and to fight violence in their families, communities, institutions and countries.
Advocacy for Change
Advocacy for change includes interventions
to change or improve:
Legislation to criminalize gender-based violence, protect victims, prevent violence and adequately deal with perpetrators;
Services for prevention of violence, protection of potential victims, support to victims, punishment of offenders;
Shelters for providing emergency support to victims;
Counselling for victims of violence; Community action groups dealing with prevention,
protection and advocacy; Litigation to ensure justice for victims of violence;
THANK YOU