This article RECLAIMING OUR VOICES is an instrument dedicated to address the current global crisis targeted on women who are forced to constant mistreatment, undervalued, oppression and deprivation of their liberty and freedom as we mark this 16 days of activism under the theme:
Theme: UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls
KNOWING WHAT PROBLEM IS
WHAT IS GENDER BASED VIOLENCE?
We gather today, not in celebration, but in solemn recognition of a persistent and pervasive darkness that clings to the fabric of our shared humanity: gender-based violence. It is a scourge that transcends borders, cultures, and socioeconomic strata, leaving a trail of shattered lives and broken communities in its wake. It is a stain on our collective conscience, a stark reminder of the deep-seated inequalities that continue to plague our world.
We speak of human rights, of fundamental freedoms, of justice for all. Yet, in every corner of this planet, from bustling metropolises to remote villages, women and girls face the brutal reality of violence simply because of their gender. This violence manifests in countless ways, a spectrum of brutality fueled by the same toxic roots of patriarchy, misogyny, and the insidious belief that women are somehow less than men.
Let us not mince words. Gender-based violence is not merely a "women's issue." It is a human rights issue. It is a societal issue. It is a global crisis that demands our collective attention and unwavering action.
When women are not safe, when their voices are silenced, when their potential is stifled, our families suffer, our communities suffer, our economies suffer, and our very humanity suffers. We cannot claim to be a just and equitable world when half of our population lives in fear, when their bodies are not their own, and when their dreams are crushed by the weight of violence.
This violence takes many forms, each leaving its own indelible scar. There is the sting of a slap, the slow erosion of self-worth through emotional abuse, the violation of sexual assault, the insidious control of economic abuse, the denial of education and opportunity, the trauma of child marriage, the mutilation of female bodies in the name of tradition, the horrors of human trafficking, and the ultimate act of violence: femicide -- the killing of a woman simply for being a woman.
REMOVING GENDER BASED VIOLENCE FROM THE ROOTS
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CAUSES AND RESOLUTIONS TO GENDER BASED VIOLENCE?
Some will argue that these are "cultural issues," deeply ingrained traditions that cannot be questioned. But I say, traditions that dehumanize and destroy are not traditions, they are acts of oppression. Cultures that justify violence against women are not cultures, they are instruments of control. We cannot hide behind the veil of cultural relativism to excuse the inexcusable. Human rights are universal. They transcend borders, they transcend beliefs, they transcend any justification for violence.
We must challenge these harmful traditions, not with disrespect, but with dialogue, education, and a firm commitment to the principles of equality and justice. Others will whisper that what happens in the home is a private matter, not our concern. But I say, violence against women is never private. It is a crime. It is an assault on the fundamental dignity and safety of half of humanity. We cannot close our eyes and pretend it doesn't exist. Silence is not neutrality; it is complicity.
Breaking the Silence
We must break the silence that shrouds these acts of violence, bring them into the light, and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. This is not a battle that can be fought by women alone.
Men, we need you. We need you to be allies in this struggle for equality. We need you to challenge your own biases, to dismantle the toxic masculinity that perpetuates these acts of violence. We need you to speak out against the misogyny you witness in your daily lives, to educate your sons about respect, consent, and healthy relationships. We need you to be role models of non-violence, to show that strength is not about domination, but about compassion and empathy.
We must also address the root causes of gender-based violence. This means tackling the deep-seated inequalities that limit women's access to education, economic opportunities, and political power. It means challenging the patriarchal norms that perpetuate the idea that women are subordinate to men. It means investing in programs that empower women and girls, that provide them with the resources and support they need to thrive.
We must support survivors, offering them safe spaces, access to justice, medical care, psychological counseling, and the economic resources they need to rebuild their lives. We must listen to their stories, amplify their voices, and ensure that they are not re-victimized by a system that often fails to protect them.
RECLAIMING THE VOICE OF THE VOICELESS
HOW DO WE FIGHT BACK GENDER BASED VIOLENCE?
The time for empty rhetoric is over. The time for inaction is past. The time for excuses is gone. The time for change is now. We must move beyond words and translate our commitments into concrete action. We must invest in prevention programs, strengthen law enforcement, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. We must educate our communities, challenge harmful norms, and create a culture of zero tolerance for violence against women and girls.
This is not an easy task. It will require sustained effort, unwavering commitment, and a global partnership. But I believe that we can create a world where every woman and girl is safe, valued, and empowered.
A world where their bodies are their own, where their voices are heard, and where their dreams can flourish. Let us raise together, men and women, hand in hand, and declare with one voice: Enough is enough! We will not tolerate gender-based violence any longer. We will not rest until we achieve a world free from violence, a world where equality is not just a dream, but a reality for all.
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