By Roselyn Samuel
In a world where we often talk about progress and enlightenment, gender-based violence still casts a dark shadow over the lives of many women. The ongoing problem of sexual violence is a stark reminder that, despite the progress we’ve made, women are still vulnerable in a society that too often excuses, justifies, or overlooks their suffering. This is not just a problem for women, it’s a serious issue for society as a whole that needs immediate and strong action.
For too long, women have carried the heavy burden of a society that puts the responsibility of preventing violence on them. They are told to dress modestly, avoid certain places, and always stay alert, as if it’s their job to prevent assault. But the real question is, why should women have to live in fear when the real issue is that society fails to hold attackers accountable and treat women with the respect they deserve?
Sexual violence encompasses a range of completed or attempted sexual acts to which the affected party does not or cannot consent. The rate at which women are sexually assaulted has remained alarmingly consistent, largely because many men fail to see women as their equals, often viewing them as inferior beings to be dominated and controlled.
Tragic incidents like the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, India, on August 9, 2024, serve as stark reminders of the deep seated misogyny that continues to plague society. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and protests across India, with medical professionals demanding better working conditions and safety measures. But the truth is, even with improved safety protocols, the root cause, an utter lack of respect for women, remains unaddressed. If that doctor had been respected as a fellow human being, this atrocity would never have occurred.
The statistics paint a grim picture. According to the Indian Ministry of Health, nearly one in three women in India has reported experiencing some form of violence. The number of confirmed rape cases has surged from 337,922 in 2014 to 445,256 in 2022. While protests and calls for change are necessary, they are not enough to address the pervasive issue of rape and gender-based violence. This problem is not confined to India, it is a global epidemic.
Consider the heartbreaking case of Heaven Awot, a 7-year-old girl who was brutally raped and murdered in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, in August 2023. Her attacker, Getnet Baye, was sentenced to 25 years in prison, a sentence many see as far too lenient. This case has highlighted the glaring failures in Ethiopia’s child protection systems and has brought to light the widespread sexual violence that occurred during the two-year war in the Tigray region.
What kind of society allows such heinous crimes to go unpunished? Baye’s sentence is currently under appeal, and one must wonder, will the women and children of Ethiopia be safe if such a man is allowed to walk free again? Will Heaven’s mother ever find justice for her daughter’s tragic death?
There is no room for leniency when it comes to sexual violence. Offenders should face life sentences, as there is no guarantee they will not reoffend. However, legal action alone is not enough. We must take proactive steps to dismantle rape culture and protect women from gender-based violence. Here are several actions we can take:
- Speak Out Against Root Causes: Rape culture thrives when we perpetuate harmful ideas of masculinity that equate strength with violence and dominance. We must challenge the notion that men obtain power through violence and reject the idea of sex as an entitlement.
- Promote a Culture of Enthusiastic Consent: Consent must be given freely and enthusiastically every time. It is not enough to merely listen for a “no”; we must ensure there is an active “yes” from all parties involved.
- Stop Victim-Blaming: Rape-affirming beliefs are embedded in our language and culture. We must abandon language that blames victims, objectifies women, and excuses sexual harassment. A woman’s clothing, behavior, or location is never an invitation to rape.
- Redefine Masculinity: We need to engage in self-reflection, community conversations, and artistic expressions to redefine masculinity with feminist principles, encouraging men and boys to reject violence and embrace equality.
- Establish Zero Tolerance: Leaders must establish and enforce zero-tolerance policies for sexual harassment and violence in all areas of life—at home, work, and in public spaces.
- Broaden Our Understanding of Rape Culture: Rape culture encompasses more than just physical assaults; it includes practices like female genital mutilation and child marriage. We must recognize and address all forms of gender-based violence.
- Invest in Women: Support organizations that work to end gender-based violence, amplify women’s voices, and provide resources for survivors. Consider donating to groups like UN Women.
- Listen to Survivors: Survivors need to be heard, believed, and supported. Instead of questioning their choices, we should affirm their experiences and stand by them in solidarity.
- Reject Rape Jokes: Rape is never a laughing matter. Jokes about sexual violence normalize and trivialize the issue, making it harder for victims to speak out. We must call out such behavior whenever we encounter it.
- End Impunity: Perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions. When we prosecute sexual violence cases, we send a clear message that these acts are crimes that will not be tolerated.
- Be an Active Bystander: When you witness non-consensual or violent behavior, do not remain silent. Intervene and show the perpetrator that their actions are unacceptable.
The fight against gender-based violence is far from over, but it is a battle we must all commit to winning. Women deserve to live in a world where they are respected, valued, and protected. It is time for us to take a stand, to speak out, and to act decisively. Together, we can create a society where women no longer have to fear for their safety, a society where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated. Let us protect our women, not just with words, but with meaningful action.