society is set up-cultural beliefs, power relations, economic power imbalances, and the
masculine idea of male dominance. Violence against women is woven into the fabric of
society to such an extent that the women who are victimized feel that they are at fault. On
the other hand many of those who perpetrate violence feel justified by strong societal
messages that say that rape, battering, sexual harassment, child abuse, and other forms of
violence are acceptable. The major causes are:
(i)
Gender inequality - This fundamental inequality creates a rationale for
humiliation, intimidation, control, abuse, and even murder.
(ii)
Mixture of ideological, political, psychological and socio-cultural elements
which subordinates women to men.
(iii)
The belief of men that he has the right to be in charge and to control a
woman, even if it requires violence.
(iv)
The belief that women deserve less social power and it is therefore acceptable
– maybe even necessary – to exert power over them.
STEPS TO CURB VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
In spite of the legislative measures adopted in favour of women in our society after
Independence, the spread of education and women’s gradual economic independence,
countless women still continue to be victims of violence and extreme cruelty. International
Center for Research on Women (ICRW) suggests top 5 things the world must do to reduce
violence against women & girls, they are:
(i) Provide women with access to legal representation and opportunities to pursue
justice against perpetrators of violence through the formal legal system
(ii) Promote gender equality in schools and widen access to education for girls. It has
been proven time and time again that girls enrolled in school are less likely to be
married early and become pregnant. If that weren’t reason enough, girls that obtain
higher levels of education are more likely to find employment and become empowered
as a result of their financial contributions to the family and community
Dr. George Varghese, MTTC Pathanapuram
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