How much have we done to end violence against women?

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, which began on November 25, is ending today. As many of us know, it is a global campaign to bring attention to the scourge of violence against women and girls, and to call for its elimination. The global theme for this year's 16 days of activism is: "Orange the world: End violence against women now!" The colour orange symbolises a bright and optimistic future free from violence against women and girls.

The campaign received widespread coverage from the media this year, which in itself is an achievement. This increased awareness means that more and more people are realising the urgency of the issue of violence against women and girls (VAWG), and the necessity of addressing it. However, this has not stopped such incidents from occurring. As per newspaper reports, during this period, at least 74 women and six children have been raped and at least 75 girl children have been married off.

So, what can we do about it? Of course, the activism, protests, and raising awareness have to continue. However, we need stronger political commitment and actions. We must question institutions responsible for preventing VAWG regarding how much of the National Action Plans to end VAWG and child marriage has been implemented. Or what changes have been made within institutions, or what mechanisms have been put in place to hold accountable those responsible, such as law enforcers, healthcare officials, elected representatives and local authorities, etc, to address and prevent VAWG.

VAWG is a multi-dimensional issue and requires multi-dimensional strategies to be combatted. It is as much an issue of the law working to prevent it, as it is about the attitude towards women and girls and their position within families and society. We have to analyse the upbringing of girls vis-a-vis that of boys. Are they brought up with a sense of self-worth and confidence, or taught to be docile, submissive and subservient? The differences in the ways boys and girls are raised determine their personality in adulthood. Society still perpetuates gender-defined roles for boys and girls, creating an imbalance and discrimination from childhood. Patriarchy negatively impacts men too, who face pressure to be the main bread-earners and take on all familial responsibilities. Thus, they showcase traits such as dominance, arrogance and aggression. Women, on the other hand, are not taught to rebel, take charge or protest, leaving them with lower levels of self-worth and confidence. That is why feminist discourse is around redefining masculinity/femininity and unpacking patriarchy.

There is also a need to review existing laws that often prevent women from getting justice. Women rights activists have been campaigning for changes in archaic laws related to rape. One of them is a certain clause in the Evidence Act, which allows for character evidence to be presented in court. While this law needs to be reviewed in its entirety, this specific clause in particular has been used to denigrate and humiliate women when they are being cross-examined by defence lawyers. Women are often intimidated to the extent that they do not want to continue with the cases.

As we look to reduce gender-based violence in the near future, we must also ask the government to take a more proactive stance in preventing child marriage. The progress in this regard was much eroded during the pandemic. There is evidence of high rates of child marriage using the excuse of income loss and closure of schools. However, child marriage is a symptom of a negative attitude towards girl children, who are thought of as burdens to be sent away at the first opportunity.

Violence is a symptom of a wider issue that revolves around respect and dignity and the status of women and girls in their families. Highlighting their contributions can be an effective strategy to make families aware of the critical role they play in maintaining harmony and well-being of their families. In this regard, Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) has launched a national campaign to highlight women and girls' contributions to their families and society, especially in terms of their unrecognised and unpaid care work, with the assumption that this will raise their status in families and prevent VAWG.

The other important issue to address is the culture of impunity that perpetrators enjoy. It is nearly impossible for the victims of sexual violence, such as rape, to get justice as the conviction rate for such cases is between two to three percent—meaning 97 percent of perpetrators believe that they will get away with it. VAWG thrives in a system where people are not held to account for negligence of duty and where bribes, extortion and misuse of power determine the outcome of cases filed for rape and sexual assault. The MJF conducted an analysis of 20 rape cases in the last five years, and found that, out of 34 accused in these cases, 28 were out on bail (although rape by law is a nonbailable offence) using money, power or loopholes in the law.

At the end of the 16 Days of Activism, we must also turn our attention to review the much-talked-about progress of women (which is without a doubt impressive) and find out who has actually benefited from the development that Bangladesh now enjoys after 50 years of independence. We have to admit that this progress has been partial, as a huge number of women have been left behind. Although VAWG cuts across classes, it is evident that women from low-income groups are more vulnerable to violence both at home and outside. Therefore, the economic independence of women, along with elevating their position within families, is central to the elimination of VAWG. Keeping girls in schools to complete their education, conducting skills training and creating jobs or enterprise opportunities are necessary to this end.

The last day of the 16 Days of Activism falls on Human Rights Day. Why was this day chosen particularly? The reason is to demonstrate that "Women's rights are human rights!"—a slogan used by rights activists globally. Quoting a UN source, "Attaining equality between women and men and eliminating all forms of discrimination against women are fundamental human rights and United Nations values. Women around the world, nevertheless, regularly suffer violations of their human rights throughout their lives, and realising women's human rights has not always been a priority."

Finally, achieving equality between women and men is fundamental to ending discrimination and violence against women and girls. On Human Rights Day, we must reiterate that every woman has the right to a life free from violence, injustice and discrimination. Fifty years after independence, is that too much to ask for?

Shaheen Anam is the executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation.