Observing the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women with the theme Orange the World; Generation Equality to stand against rape, the day called for stakeholders to work towards ending rape and other forms of violence against women and girls.
A study carried out by the National Commission for Women and Children revealed that 44.6 per cent of women and girls in the country experienced at least one form of violence in their lifetime.
The study also found that two in five women experienced one or more forms of partner violence in their lifetime, be it physical, sexual, psychological or economic. But the survivors remain silent because of stigma and fear of losing the family’s sole breadwinner. Controlling behaviour was found to be the most common form of violence against women. Socio-cultural perceptions and power imbalance between the gender are found to be the major players in increased incidences of violence against women and girls in the country.
“Violence can take place in various forms not just sexual and physical but it’s about controlling behaviours. It can take place in the form of psychological abuse but also verbal and economical. In order to tackle this violence, we have to understand that based on the lack of respect and deep-rooted power imbalances between man and women. It requires everyone in the community both men and women, boys and girls coming together to tackle gender-based violence,” said Azusa Kubota, from the UNDP.
At the event, Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW) and GOKAB team also screened a documentary and demonstrated a short skit on gender-related issues.
Choni Dema
