How women are using their power to end gender based violence.
Violence against women and girls is rooted in gender based discrimination and social norms and gender stereotypes that perpetuate such violence. Given the devastating effect violence has on women, efforts have mainly focused on responses and services for survivors. However, the best way to end violence against women and girls is to prevent it from happening in the first place by addressing its root and structural causes.
I did a short interview with a fellow colleague of mine to get a view of what her understanding of Gender based violence is and ways in which we can put an end to it.
My interviewee is Pauline Lewis, Administrative Supervisor / Payroll personal at our Head Office.
Lewis's view of Gender based violence is any violation of human (woman or girl) rights and a form of discrimination against women, which is physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm or suffering to women.
She moved on to say that Prevention should start from an early stage in life, by educating and working with young boys and girls promoting respectful relationships and gender equality. Working with young youth, she believes is a win win for faster, sustained progress on preventing and eradicating gender based violence.
I then asked her what were some of the ways that gender based violence could be reduced, and her answers followed.
As women, we can help to create laws and enforce existing laws that protect women from discrimination and violence, including rape, beatings, verbal abuse, trafficking and killings.
As Females, we can educate community members on their responsibilities under the International and national human rights laws
Women should help promote the peaceful resolution of disputes by including the perspectives of women and girls.
We can help strengthen women's ability to earn money and support their households by providing skills training for women.
Encourage more women to participate in political life to help educate the public about the value of a woman.
Raise public awareness of the conditions some women face particularly in the work place.
She also felt that a lot of work should be done with boys to educate and reinforce the value and importance of women and girls to the society.
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