Violence Against Women: A Global Crisis?

Violence against women remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide. It transcends cultural, economic, and social boundaries, affecting women in both the Global North and Global South. Despite international efforts to address gender-based violence, millions of women continue to experience physical, psychological, and economic abuse daily. The normalization of such violence, coupled with structural barriers to justice and protection, creates an environment in which women remain vulnerable and disempowered.

At the core of gender-based violence lies deeply ingrained patriarchal systems that position women as subordinate to men. In many societies, cultural norms, religious interpretations, and traditional practices reinforce male dominance, making it difficult for women to challenge their abusers or seek justice. In some parts of the world, practices such as honour killings, female genital mutilation, and child marriage persist despite international condemnation (UN Women, 2022). These acts of violence not only violate women’s fundamental rights but also contribute to cycles of oppression that limit their autonomy and opportunities for advancement.

Economic dependence is another critical factor that exacerbates violence against women. In many cases, financial insecurity prevents women from leaving abusive relationships, as they lack the resources to support themselves and their children. The gender pay gap, occupational segregation, and lack of access to land and property ownership further entrench this economic vulnerability (World Economic Forum, 2023). Without financial independence, women are forced to endure abusive environments, reinforcing a system that allows perpetrators to act with impunity.

Legal frameworks, though present in most countries, often fail to protect women adequately. Many justice systems are riddled with bias, inefficiency, and corruption, discouraging survivors from reporting abuse. In some cases, laws themselves are discriminatory, either failing to recognize marital rape, limiting women’s rights to divorce, or imposing burdensome requirements to prove abuse (CEDAW, 2021). Even in countries with progressive legislation, enforcement remains weak, leaving women unprotected and perpetrators unpunished. Police inaction, victim-blaming attitudes, and societal stigmatization further deter women from seeking justice.

The intersectionality of violence against women must also be acknowledged, as race, class, disability, and sexual orientation compound the vulnerabilities women face. Women from marginalized communities often experience higher rates of violence and face greater barriers to justice. Indigenous women, for example, are disproportionately affected by violence and homicide, with little to no access to legal recourse (Amnesty International, 2022). Similarly, migrant women working in domestic and informal labour sectors are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, often without protection from labour laws.

Recommendations

Legal and Policy Reforms: Governments must prioritize the implementation and enforcement of laws that protect women from violence while ensuring that justice systems are accessible and free from bias. Legal frameworks must recognize all forms of gender-based violence, including marital rape and economic abuse, while eliminating discriminatory laws that prevent women from seeking justice.

Economic Empowerment: Policies promoting financial independence for women—such as equal pay, childcare support, and access to credit—are essential in dismantling structures that keep women trapped in abusive situations (World Bank, 2023). Ensuring that women have secure employment and ownership rights can provide them with the resources to escape violence.

Education and Awareness: Schools should incorporate discussions on gender equality, consent, and healthy relationships from an early age to challenge harmful stereotypes and empower young people to advocate for change. Public awareness campaigns can also help dismantle the stigma surrounding survivors and encourage communities to take an active role in preventing violence.

International Cooperation: Governments, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies must work together to ensure that policies protecting women are upheld and that perpetrators are held accountable. Countries must also recognize gender-based violence as a legitimate ground for asylum, offering protection to women fleeing violence in their home countries 

While progress has been made in recent decades, the fight against violence against women is far from over. A world in which women live free from violence requires not only legal and policy changes but also a transformation of societal norms and power structures. Ending this crisis demands a collective effort, where every individual, community, and institution commits to breaking the cycle of violence and fostering a future of equality and dignity for all women. 

# DO YOUR PART!

References:

UN Women (2022). The Shadow Pandemic: Violence Against Women During COVID-19.

World Economic Forum (2023). Global Gender Gap Report.

CEDAW (2021). Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women: Annual Report.

Amnesty International (2022). Indigenous Women and Gender-Based Violence: A Global Perspective.

World Bank (2023). Women's Economic Empowerment and Gender-Based Violence Prevention.

UNHCR (2023). Gender-Based Violence and Asylum Protection.