What if every woman you knew had experienced some form of violence in her lifetime? What if you knew that, globally, one in three women faces violence, often at the hands of someone they know? This stark reality is not just a series of unfortunate events; it is a global crisis that affects entire communities and nations. From November 25 to December 10, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence serve as an urgent call to address this epidemic, but true change demands more than just awareness. It requires ongoing action, systemic reform, and a collective commitment to eradicating violence in all its forms.
Gender-based violence (GBV) does not exist in isolation. It manifests in various ways-from physical abuse to emotional trauma, sexual harassment, trafficking, and harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage. In Bangladesh, nearly 50% of women report experiencing violence in some form, highlighting the severity of the problem. Yet, these statistics only tell part of the story. Behind each number lies the experience of a woman whose life has been shattered by abuse, whose voice has been silenced by fear and stigma.
Women like Nazma (pseudonym), a mother in her thirties, endured years of physical and emotional abuse. Despite legal frameworks designed to protect women, she found herself trapped-afraid to seek help due to societal judgment and a lack of resources. Stories like Nazma's reflect how, despite the existence of laws to protect women, the justice system often fails to deliver real protection for survivors. When legal recourse falls short, women are often left to rely on NGOs and community shelters for help. But relying on these organizations alone is insufficient. While vital, these interventions cannot replace a fully functioning legal system that prioritizes the protection of survivors and holds perpetrators accountable.
Legal reform is critical, but it must be complemented by a comprehensive support system for survivors. Access to safe spaces, counseling services, and legal aid is vital. When survivors have nowhere to turn, they face the heartbreaking reality of being unable to break free from the cycle of abuse. We must ensure that services are accessible to all women, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location. In Bangladesh, marginalized groups such as rural women and LGBTQIA+ individuals face even greater challenges in accessing these services and are at higher risk of violence.
Gender-based violence is not just a 'women's issue.' Men and boys have an essential role to play in dismantling toxic masculinity and the harmful power structures that normalize violence. GBV stems from societal inequalities that position women and marginalized groups as inferior. This system thrives on silence and complicity, but it can only be broken through collective action. Engaging men and boys in conversations about respect, consent, and equality can help shift cultural attitudes. The focus should not only be on preventing violence but also on promoting healthy relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. When boys are taught about boundaries, respect, and equality from an early age, they are less likely to grow up reinforcing harmful gender norms.
Alongside this, we must transform the media's role in shaping public perception. For too long, media coverage of gender-based violence has been sensationalist, victim-blaming, or neglectful. Yet, the media has the potential to change the narrative. When media outlets report on violence sensitively and accurately, they bring visibility to the issue, challenge stereotypes, and promote a culture of accountability. Just as importantly, the media can provide a platform for survivors to share their stories without fear of retribution or shame.
Gender-based violence is not just a 'women's issue.' Men and boys have
an essential role to play in dismantling toxic masculinity and the
harmful power structures that normalize violence. GBV stems from
societal inequalities that position women and marginalized groups as
inferior. This system thrives on silence and complicity, but it can only
be broken through collective action. Engaging men and boys in
conversations about respect, consent, and equality can help shift
cultural attitudes.
The 16 Days of Activism are an important part of a larger global conversation, but they cannot be the only time we reflect on gender-based violence. It is critical that the momentum continues year-round, with meaningful actions at every level of society. The fight against gender-based violence is ongoing, and it will require political will, legal reforms, education, and robust support systems for survivors. Governments must enforce laws and allocate sufficient resources for their implementation, but they cannot do this alone. The private sector and civil society must also play active roles.
In Bangladesh, where many women and marginalized groups are disproportionately affected, there is an urgent need for a multi-pronged approach. While laws are in place to protect survivors, they often fail in practice. The state must enforce these laws consistently, ensure that police and judicial officers are properly trained, and allocate sufficient resources to support survivors in their journey toward justice and healing. Local NGOs have been instrumental in providing support, but the burden cannot fall on them alone. The government, the private sector, and civil society must come together to create a cohesive, nationwide response to GBV.
We also must ensure that marginalized groups-such as LGBTQIA+ individuals, rural women, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds-are not left behind. For these groups, access to services is even more limited, and they are often the most vulnerable to violence. Ensuring inclusivity in our fight against GBV means providing equal access to resources and ensuring that no one is excluded from the safety and justice they deserve.
The solution to gender-based violence does not lie in a single policy or a short-lived campaign. It requires sustained effort from all of us, every day. Governments must enforce laws and allocate resources, but the onus is also on us as individuals. We must challenge harmful cultural norms, support survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable. Ending gender-based violence requires us all-not just policymakers, not just activists, but every one of us. Together, we can build a world where respect, equality, and safety for women and marginalized groups are the norms, not the exceptions.
Ending gender-based violence is not a distant dream-it is possible, but it will take all of us to make it a reality. If we embrace a culture of respect, equality, and justice, then we can build a world where violence is no longer a threat, but a distant memory.
