Diploma in Midwifery
Gender-based violence (GBV)
Table of Contents
Gender-based violence (GBV) is any act that results in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, men, and children.
Key Terms Related to Gender-Based Violence
Gender: Gender refers to the social and cultural expectations, roles, and behaviors assigned to men and women, boys and girls in a society. Unlike sex, which is biological, gender can vary greatly across different societies.
Example: In many societies, it is more common for men to hold leadership positions than women, illustrating a gender role.
Gender-Based Violence: This includes any act that causes physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, men, and children. It can occur in public or private and includes threats and coercion.
Example: Domestic abuse, where a partner uses physical or emotional harm to control the other, is a form of gender-based violence.
Violence Against Women: This refers to any act of gender-based violence that harms or is likely to harm women and girls, whether in private or public. It includes sexual violence.
Example: Rape and sexual assault are forms of violence against women.
Sexual Violence, Exploitation, and Abuse: This includes any act, attempt, or threat of a sexual nature.
Example: Forcing someone into sexual acts against their will is sexual violence.
Gender Equality: This is the state where men and women have equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources.
Example: Ensuring that both men and women have equal access to education and job opportunities.
Gender Blind: A policy or plan that does not address relevant gender issues.
Example: A workplace policy that does not consider the different needs of male and female employees, such as maternity leave.
Gender Responsiveness: A policy or plan with strategies to reduce inequality and ensure equal benefits for all genders.
Example: A healthcare program that ensures both men and women have equal access to medical services.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: This is a serious form of discrimination, particularly against women and children, and violates human rights. It is both a public health problem and a human rights issue.
Example: Sexual harassment in the workplace is a form of sexual and gender-based violence.
Sex: This refers to the biological characteristics of males and females, limited to physiological reproductive functions.
Example: Being born male or female is determined by biological sex.
Violence: Any act that causes injury, harm, intimidation, fear, damage, or humiliation to a person. It can include emotional, social, and economic force or pressure.
Example: Threatening someone with a weapon or physically assaulting them is violence.
Sex Typing: The differential treatment of people based on their biological sex.
Example: Assigning certain jobs only to men or women based on their sex.
Gender Equity: Ensuring that women and men, boys and girls have equal opportunities to receive services that are accessible to all.
Example: Providing equal educational opportunities for both boys and girls.
Gender Sensitive: Being aware that women and men have different roles and needs, and planning accordingly.
Example: Designing a workplace policy that considers the different needs of male and female employees.
Gender Neutrality: Planning for men and women without considering their different needs and roles, which can be ineffective.
Example: A healthcare service that does not consider the specific needs of women, such as prenatal care.
Gender Roles: The tasks and responsibilities that society assigns to women and men, girls and boys. These roles can change over time and across different societies.
Example: In some cultures, women are expected to be primary caregivers, while men are expected to be breadwinners.
Coercion: Forcing someone to engage in behavior against their will using threats, manipulation, or economic power.
Example: Threatening to harm someone if they do not comply with your demands.
Sexual Preference/Orientation: A person’s preference for partners of the same or opposite sex.
Example: Being heterosexual (attracted to the opposite sex) or homosexual (attracted to the same sex).
Gender Role Stereotype: Socially determined beliefs about what gender roles should be.
Example: The belief that girls should be obedient and boys should be brave.
Forms of Violence in Uganda
Domestic Violence
Wife Battering: Physical abuse of wives by their husbands.
Oppression: Controlling behaviors that limit a partner’s freedom and autonomy.
Intimidation: Using threats and fear to control a partner.
Emotional Abuse: Verbal insults, humiliation, and constant criticism.
Economic Abuse: Controlling a partner’s access to financial resources.
Isolation: Preventing a partner from interacting with friends, family, or community.
Sexual Abuse
Rape: Forced sexual intercourse without consent.
Defilement: Sexual abuse of minors.
Incest: Sexual relations between family members.
Sexual Exploitation: Taking advantage of someone’s vulnerability for sexual purposes.
Sexual Harassment: Unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.
Harmful Cultural Practices
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons.
- Widow Inheritance: Forcing a widow to marry a relative of her deceased husband.
- Bride Price: Payment made by the groom’s family to the bride’s family, often leading to the commodification of women.
- Child Marriage: Marrying off young girls, often for economic reasons or cultural beliefs.
- Forced Marriages
- Economic Purposes: Marrying off girls for financial gain, such as bride price.
- Cultural Beliefs: The belief that girls are destined for marriage rather than education.
- Social Pressure: Families forcing marriages to maintain social status or avoid stigma.
Lack of Education: Limited access to education leading to early marriage as the only perceived option.
Other Forms of Violence
- Sexual Harassment and Intimidation: Occurring in workplaces, religious institutions, and schools.
- Coercion: Forcing someone to act against their will through threats or manipulation.
- Arbitrary Deprivation of Liberty: Unjustified detention or restriction of movement.
- Belief in Large Families: Pressure to have many children, leading to health risks and economic strain.
- Forced Sex: Men having non-consensual sex with their partners.
- Institutional Violence: Violence perpetrated or condoned by institutions such as the government or religious bodies.
Settings Where Gender-Based Violence Can Occur
Family
- Battering of Women: Physical abuse within the home.
- Sexual Abuse of Children: Incest and other forms of sexual abuse within the family.
- Emotional Abuse: Verbal and psychological harm inflicted by family members.
- Neglect: Failure to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare.
Community
- Sexual Abuse: Rape, defilement, and other forms of sexual violence.
- Sexual Harassment and Intimidation: Unwanted sexual advances and threats.
- Trafficking: Exploitation for labor or sexual purposes.
- Forced Prostitution: Coercing individuals into sex work.
- Mob Violence: Community-based violence targeting individuals or groups.
State
- Poorly Drafted or Unenforceable Laws: Legal frameworks that do not adequately protect victims.
- Violence by Law Enforcement: Abuse of power by police and other authorities.
- Lack of Facilities: Inadequate healthcare and support services for victims.
- Education: Insufficient education on prevention and treatment of violence.
- Corruption: Officials taking bribes to ignore or condone violence.
Predisposing Factors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Socio-Economic Factors
- Low Socio-Economic Status: Poverty and lack of education increasing vulnerability.
- Women’s Low Status: Cultural and social norms that devalue women.
- Dependence on Men: Economic and decision-making dependence.
Cultural Factors
- Infertility: Blaming and abusing women for not being able to have children.
- Fear of Reporting: Victims afraid to report due to lack of support and fear of reprisal.
- Gender Roles: Traditional roles that limit women’s autonomy and expose them to violence.
- Harmful Practices: FGM, early marriage, and widow inheritance.
Health and Disability Factors
Physical and Mental Disabilities: Increased risk of abuse and stigmatization.
Ill Health: Especially from HIV/AIDS, leading to vulnerability.
Poverty: Economic hardship leading to exploitation.
Idleness: Unemployment and lack of productive activities leading to substance abuse.
Environmental Factors
Abduction: Kidnapping leading to sexual abuse and exploitation.
Land Wrangle: Property disputes leading to violence against women.
Conflict: War and displacement increasing vulnerability.
Poor Role Modeling: Lack of positive examples for children.
Risk Groups for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Vulnerable Populations
All Children and Women: Higher risk due to power imbalances and cultural norms.
Adolescents: Vulnerable to peer pressure and exploitation.
Displaced Persons: Including refugees and internally displaced people.
People with Disabilities: Increased risk of abuse and neglect.
Prisoners: Vulnerable to abuse by authorities and other inmates.
Men: Often reluctant to report violence due to fear of stigma.
Pregnant Mothers: Vulnerable to domestic violence and lack of support.
Specific Risk Factors
Economic Dependence: Lack of financial independence.
Social Isolation: Lack of support networks.
Cultural Norms: Beliefs that justify violence against women.
Legal Gaps: Inadequate laws and enforcement.
Health Issues: Physical and mental health problems increasing vulnerability.
Education: Lack of awareness and education on rights and protections.
Domestic Violence
This term specifically refers to violence that occurs within the domestic sphere, typically between individuals who are related by blood or intimacy. It includes intimate partner violence (IPV) and can also encompass violence against children, siblings, or grandparents within the same household. Domestic violence is a subset of GBV and is one of the most common forms of GBV.
Key Distinction:
Domestic Violence: A specific form of GBV that occurs within the family or intimate relationships.
GBV: A broader concept that encompasses any form of violence directed at individuals based on their gender
Reasons for Staying in an Abusive Relationship
1. Hope for Change:
Belief in Change: The victim believes that the abuser will change their behavior.
Optimism: The victim is optimistic that the relationship can improve.
Faith in Promises: The victim has faith in the abuser’s promises to stop the abuse.
2. Total Love for the Partner:
Emotional Attachment: The victim has a deep emotional attachment to the abuser.
Strong Feelings of Love: The victim experiences strong feelings of love and commitment towards the abuser.
Love Conquers All: The victim believes that love can overcome all problems, including the abuse.
3. Fear of Losing the Marriage:
Social Stigma: The victim is concerned about the social stigma associated with divorce.
Fear of Loneliness: The victim fears being alone or single.
Impact on Family: The victim worries about the impact of separation or divorce on children and the extended family.
4. Purpose of the Children:
Children’s Well-being: The victim stays in the relationship for the sake of the children’s well-being.
Two-Parent Belief: The victim believes that children need both parents, even in an abusive situation.
Disruption Concerns: The victim fears disrupting the children’s lives by leaving the abuser.
5. Shame:
Embarrassment: The victim feels embarrassed about the abuse they are experiencing.
Fear of Judgment: The victim fears judgment from family, friends, and society.
Blame Concerns: The victim is concerned about being blamed for the abuse.
6. Poverty – Fear of Returning the Bride Price:
Financial Dependence: The victim is financially dependent on the abuser.
Economic Hardship: The victim fears economic hardship if the relationship ends.
Bride Price Obligation: In some cultures, there is an obligation to return the bride price upon separation, which can be a significant financial burden.
7. Security Purpose:
Dependence for Security: The victim depends on the abuser for financial and physical security.
Fear of Losing Stability: The victim fears losing a stable home and lifestyle.
Protection Belief: The victim believes that the abuser provides necessary protection.
8. Lack of Support:
Isolation: The victim is isolated from friends and family who could offer support.
No Support System: The victim lacks a support system to help them leave the relationship.
Fear of Being Alone: The victim fears being alone without emotional and practical support.
9. Cultural and Social Pressure:
Societal Pressure: The victim feels pressure from society to maintain the relationship, regardless of the abuse.
Cultural Beliefs: Cultural beliefs may prioritize marriage and family unity above individual well-being.
Fear of Ostracism: The victim fears being ostracized by the community for leaving the relationship.
10. Fear of Retaliation:
Increased Violence: The victim fears that the abuser will become more violent if they try to leave.
Harm to Loved Ones: The victim is concerned about the abuser harming them, their children, or other family members.
Stalking and Harassment: The victim fears that the abuser will stalk or harass them after they leave.
11. Low Self-Esteem:
Deserving Abuse: The victim may believe that they deserve the abuse they are experiencing.
Worthlessness: The victim may have feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy.
Lack of Confidence: The victim may lack confidence in their ability to live independently.
12. Lack of Alternatives:
Limited Options: The victim may have limited options for housing, employment, and financial support outside of the relationship.
Fear of Homelessness/Poverty: The victim may fear homelessness or poverty if the relationship ends.
No Better Alternatives: The victim may believe that there are no better alternatives to their current situation.
Characteristics of Abusers
Belief That Violence Gives Immediate Results:
The abuser believes that violence is an effective way to control and dominate.
The abuser uses violence to achieve immediate compliance and obedience.
Insecure, Extremely Jealous, and Possessive:
The abuser feels threatened by the victim’s independence and relationships with others.
The abuser exhibits extreme jealousy and possessiveness, often accusing the victim of infidelity.
Emotionally Dependent on the Partner:
The abuser relies on the victim for emotional support and validation.
The abuser feels a strong need to control the victim to maintain emotional stability.
Denial That Their Actions Are Violent:
The abuser minimizes or denies the severity of their actions.
The abuser blames the victim for provoking the violence.
The abuser refuses to take responsibility for their abusive behavior.
Poor Impulse Control:
The abuser has difficulty managing anger and frustration.
The abuser acts impulsively and aggressively without considering the consequences.
The abuser struggles with emotional regulation and self-control.
Manipulative and Controlling:
The abuser uses manipulation and control tactics to maintain power over the victim.
The abuser isolates the victim from friends and family to increase dependence.
The abuser uses guilt, shame, and fear to control the victim’s behavior.
History of Abuse or Trauma:
The abuser may have experienced abuse or trauma in their past.
The abuser may repeat patterns of abuse learned from their upbringing or past relationships.
The abuser may have unresolved emotional issues that contribute to their abusive behavior.
Lack of Empathy:
The abuser shows little or no concern for the victim’s feelings and well-being.
The abuser is unable or unwilling to understand the impact of their actions on the victim.
The abuser prioritizes their own needs and desires over the victim’s.
Impacts of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) has profound and lasting effects on survivors, impacting their physical, mental, and social well-being. The impacts can be categorized into physical, psychological, social, and economic dimensions.
Physical Impacts
Injuries:
Bruises, fractures, and internal injuries.
Long-term physical disabilities and chronic pain.
Scars and disfigurement.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs):
Increased risk of contracting STIs, including HIV/AIDS.
Long-term health complications from untreated STIs.
Stigma and discrimination associated with STIs.
Unwanted Pregnancies:
Risk of unsafe abortions, leading to lifelong health effects and potential death.
Complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Emotional and financial burden of raising a child from an abusive relationship.
Chronic Health Issues:
Long-term health problems such as chronic pain, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues.
Weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to illnesses.
Cardiovascular problems and hypertension.
Psychological Impacts
Mental Health Issues:
Depression and anxiety.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Low Self-Esteem:
Feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy.
Loss of confidence and self-worth.
Difficulty trusting others and forming healthy relationships.
Trauma and Fear:
Constant fear and hypervigilance.
Nightmares and flashbacks.
Difficulty sleeping and concentrating.
Substance Abuse:
Turning to drugs or alcohol to cope with trauma.
Increased risk of addiction and related health problems.
Social and economic consequences of substance abuse.
Social Impacts
Isolation:
Withdrawal from social activities and relationships.
Loss of friends and support networks.
Difficulty forming new relationships due to trust issues.
Stigmatization:
Social judgment and blame.
Difficulty reintegrating into society.
Fear of disclosure and seeking help due to stigma.
Family Disruption:
Breakdown of family relationships.
Impact on children, including behavioral and emotional problems.
Difficulty maintaining stable housing and employment.
Economic Impacts
Poverty:
Loss of income and financial stability.
Difficulty finding and maintaining employment.
Increased dependence on social services and support.
Loss of Livelihood:
Difficulty pursuing education and career goals.
Loss of job opportunities and professional advancement.
Economic strain from medical expenses and legal fees.
Housing Instability:
Difficulty finding and maintaining safe and stable housing.
Risk of homelessness or living in unsafe conditions.
Financial burden of relocating and starting over.
Long-Term Effects
Intergenerational Trauma:
Impact on future generations, including increased risk of abuse and violence.
Cycle of violence and trauma passed down through families.
Long-term effects on community and societal well-being.
Community Impact:
Increased strain on social services and healthcare systems.
Economic burden on communities and societies.
Decreased productivity and increased social unrest.
Legal and Justice System:
Challenges in accessing justice and legal support.
Difficulty navigating the legal system and seeking redress.
Fear of reporting abuse due to lack of trust in the justice system.
Ways through which Sexual Gender-based Violence can be reduced in Uganda
Sexual and gender-based violence should be recognized as an important public health matter. Therefore, everyone in the community can contribute tremendously to reducing the acts of sexual gender-based violence by actively doing the following:
Leadership Sensitization: Leaders should spearhead sensitization of communities on the impacts of sexual gender-based violence throughout the country.
Reporting: Report all acts of violence to health centers, police, and other relevant authorities.
Accountability: Ensure that those who commit these acts are punished appropriately.
Strengthen Laws: Revise and strengthen current measures to punish perpetrators to deter people from committing acts of violence.
Break the Silence: Encourage communities to stop the culture of silence, which hampers victims from reporting due to fear of repercussions (e.g., imprisonment and stigmatization).
Advocacy: Intensify advocacy to reduce sexual and gender-based violence at all levels.
Legal System Review: Review the legal systems to improve the court relationship between legal officers and victims.
Improve Court Relationships: Improve the relationship between legal and other practitioners during court sessions.
Support Health Workers: Support health workers to undertake their roles to manage and care for survivors of Sexual Gender-based Violence.
Roles of Leaders on SGBV in their Community
Leaders can fight Sexual Gender-based Violence by:
Speaking Out: Speak out against SGBV at every opportunity (e.g., during community meetings, campaigns, fundraising, funerals, drinking places).
Role Modeling: Strive to act as role models by avoiding being perpetrators of SGBV.
Victim Support: Assist victims in getting help and ensure that culprits (e.g., defilers, rapists, men who batter their wives) are reported to the police and punished appropriately.
Counseling Groups: Form counseling groups to help men, children, and women who are perpetrators of SGBV.
Control and Prevention of Sexual Gender-based Violence
Improve Girl Child Education: Improve girl child education at all levels.
Reduce Socio-Economic Inequality: Reduce the high level of poor socio-economic status to reduce women’s vulnerability to violence.
Women’s Rights Awareness: Increase awareness of women’s rights and responsibilities related to owning property and assets.
Amend Laws: Review and amend laws that safeguard women’s rights.
Challenge Tolerance of Violence: Strengthen nationwide/community-wide efforts to challenge the widespread tolerance and acceptance of violence against women.
Respectful Upbringing: Encourage parents to bring up children who respect the rights of individuals as men or women, boys or girls.
Equal Partnerships: Support parents to bring up their boys and girls as equal partners.
Reasons Why the Community and Leaders Should Be Concerned About SGBV
1. Damages Social Bonds:
Isolation of Victims: Sexually abused women and girls often isolate themselves or are isolated by their families and communities, leading to a breakdown in social cohesion.
Community Division: The stigma and shame associated with SGBV can create divisions within communities, affecting trust and cooperation.
Social Exclusion: Victims may face social exclusion, further damaging community bonds and support networks.
Intergenerational Impact: The trauma experienced by victims can affect future generations, perpetuating a cycle of abuse and social dysfunction.
2. Substantial Health Burden:
Difficult Diagnosis and Treatment: Victims often present with vague complaints that are challenging to diagnose and treat, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems.
Mental Health Issues: SGBV survivors frequently suffer from mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), requiring long-term psychological support.
Physical Health Problems: Victims may experience chronic pain, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other physical health issues that require ongoing medical care.
Reproductive Health: SGBV can lead to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and reproductive health complications, further straining healthcare resources.
3. Economic Loss:
Loss of Productivity: Victims of SGBV, due to physical injury or emotional stress, are often unable to fulfill their roles in households and workplaces, leading to economic loss.
Financial Burden: The cost of medical treatment, legal proceedings, and support services for victims can be substantial, placing a financial burden on households and communities.
Reduced Economic Contribution: In many Ugandan villages, women are key breadwinners. SGBV can significantly reduce their economic contribution, affecting family income and community development.
Long-Term Economic Impact: The economic repercussions of SGBV can be long-lasting, affecting future generations and hindering economic growth and development.
4. Legacy of Bitterness:
Conflict Situations: SGBV can exacerbate tensions in conflict situations, creating a legacy of bitterness and resentment towards the group from which the perpetrators came.
Negative Impact on Reconciliation: The bitterness and mistrust resulting from SGBV can hinder reconciliation efforts and community reconstruction, prolonging conflict and instability.
Cycle of Violence: The bitterness and desire for revenge can perpetuate a cycle of violence, making it difficult to achieve lasting peace and stability.
Community Polarization: SGBV can polarize communities, making it challenging to foster unity and cooperation.
5. Legal and Justice System Strain:
Increased Caseload: SGBV cases can overwhelm the legal and justice system, leading to delays and inefficiencies in handling other cases.
Resource Allocation: Addressing SGBV requires significant resources, including trained personnel, infrastructure, and support services, which can strain limited resources.
Public Trust: Failure to adequately address SGBV can erode public trust in the legal and justice system, undermining its effectiveness and legitimacy.
6. Educational Impact:
School Dropout: Victims of SGBV, particularly girls, may drop out of school due to trauma, stigma, or pregnancy, affecting their education and future prospects.
Learning Environment: SGBV can create a hostile learning environment, affecting the educational outcomes of all students.
Teacher-Student Relationships: SGBV can damage trust between teachers and students, making it difficult to provide a safe and supportive educational environment.
7. Cultural and Social Norms:
Perpetuation of Harmful Practices: SGBV can reinforce harmful cultural and social norms, such as gender inequality and patriarchal attitudes, perpetuating a cycle of abuse.
Challenge to Traditional Values: Addressing SGBV may require challenging deeply ingrained cultural and social norms, which can be met with resistance and backlash.
Community Values: SGBV can undermine community values of respect, dignity, and equality, affecting the overall well-being and cohesion of the community.
Roles of Health Workers in Managing Victims and Addressing Gender-Based Violence
Health workers play instrumental roles in ensuring that families and victims of gender-based violence are professionally attended to and that victims get justice. The roles of health workers include:
Psychosocial Support: Offering psychosocial support and counseling services to the affected families and individuals.
Liaison and Advocacy: Liaising with people and other stakeholders to ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice and to prevent the possibility of recurrence.
Medical Examination and Documentation: Collecting victim’s medical information and performing required medical examinations to promote continuity of care.
Safe and Confidential Environment: Creating a friendly and confidential environment (shelter) where victims’ needs are addressed.
Referral Services: Offering timely and appropriate referral services as needed.
Reporting and Justice: Establishing and promoting strict reporting of all gender-based violence-related cases to the responsible authority and ensuring victims get fair justice.
Follow-up Care: Ensuring and maintaining constant follow-up care of all affected families or victims.
Sources of Help for Victims of SGBV
Police:
Reporting and Investigation: Victims can report incidents to the police, who are responsible for investigating and taking legal action.
Protection and Support: Police can provide immediate protection and referrals to other services.
Probation Officers:
Rehabilitation and Monitoring: Monitor perpetrators and provide rehabilitation services to prevent future incidents.
Victim Support: Support victims by ensuring perpetrators comply with court orders.
Child and Family Protection Unit:
Specialized Services: Provides specialized services for children and families affected by SGBV, including counseling, legal support, and referrals.
Child Protection: Focuses on protecting children from abuse and ensuring their well-being.
Local Leaders/Elders:
Community Support: Provide support and advocacy for victims within the community.
Mediation and Reconciliation: Facilitate mediation and reconciliation efforts.
Trusted Person or Family Members:
Emotional Support: Provide emotional support and a safe space for victims.
Practical Assistance: Offer practical assistance, such as helping victims access services.
Counselors:
Psychological Support: Provide psychological support to help victims cope with trauma.
Long-Term Support: Offer long-term support to help victims rebuild their lives.
Healthcare Providers:
Medical Care: Offer medical care and treatment for physical injuries and health complications.
Mental Health Services: Provide mental health services to address the psychological impact.
Legal Aid Services:
Legal Representation: Provide legal representation and support to navigate the legal system.
Advocacy: Advocate for victims’ rights and ensure their voices are heard.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):
Comprehensive Support: Offer comprehensive support services, including counseling, legal aid, and advocacy.
Community Outreach: Engage in community outreach and awareness campaigns.
Support Groups:
Peer Support: Provide a safe environment for victims to share experiences and receive peer support.
Empowerment: Empower victims to speak out against SGBV and advocate for change.
Important Note: The text includes the statement: “In some African cultures, beating a woman or girls is part of the disciplining process; in fact, some women even willingly accept to be beaten.” This statement is harmful and perpetuates a dangerous myth.
Violence against women is never acceptable, justifiable, or a legitimate form of discipline. While cultural norms can be complex, it’s crucial to understand that:
Culture is not static: Cultures evolve, and harmful practices can and should be challenged.
Human rights are universal: The right to live free from violence is a fundamental human right that transcends cultural boundaries.
“Willing acceptance” is often coercion: Women who appear to accept violence may be doing so out of fear, lack of alternatives, or internalized oppression. Their “consent” is not freely given in such circumstances.
It is essential to challenge and reject any cultural norms that justify or condone violence against women or any other form of gender-based violence.