Violence against women has been defined as any act of gender based violence resulting in physical harm or suffering to women. Not only is it a crime, it is also not cultured behaviour. It is an expression of aggression that is a global epidemic within societies. However, it is still treated as a lesser crime and given lower priority.
Violence against women is not a new or recent phenomenon, women have been the victims of violence through ages, in all societies and religious communities in the world. There is no region of the world, no country and no culture in which women’s freedom from violence has been secured.
It is not something that any culture, religion or tradition propagates. Yet it remains a hidden problem.
Women in a patriarchal society continue to be oppressed and ill-treated. She is dependent, weak, exploited and faces gender discrimination in every sphere of life.
Without women how can the world advance? Why must these unfortunate people keep suffering so severely. It is unjust. Why do we forget their contribution to society?
If all men are born free, why do many treat women as if they were born slaves.
Governments and various organisations have tried to make laws and policies to protect women. But the violence continues. The focus should be on how to prevent this problem from occurring in the first place.
If the issue is not dealt with seriously, then this type of abuse will see no end. We need to stand together and make tougher laws, which will protect the victim of this abuse.
We need to strategically raise awareness, especially through social media, have community mobilisation and educational programs and ensure legal and policy reforms. Let us respect women.
The reader is based in Dubai
