Photo : Messenger
To the general people, 'gender-based violence' means some type of 'torture' of patriarchal society towards women. This was almost the case in the eighties, but later on, although the concept has changed a lot, the misconception in the people's minds seems to be mixed with the bone marrow. In the world of development, 'gender' is a necessary or special initiative for the equality of men and women.
While men and women in our society are working in equal measure for the cause of national development and, above all, sharing responsibilities through mutual respect and cooperation, the cause of gender is also succeeding immediately. For the sake of need, considering the situation for strategic reasons and for the overall development of women towards men, on the other hand, the initiative of women towards men to create a conducive environment for cooperation and empathy is basically termed as 'gender' in the development world.
After getting the fiftieth anniversary of Bangladesh's independence and as a result of various government and non-government initiatives, women are advancing in almost all aspects today. Although women have made exemplary contributions to education, health, economics, rights, and freedom of expression, violence against women is still rampant. Worldwide campaigns, protests, rallies, round table meetings, human chain programmes, etc. are in fashion to prevent violence against women.
Year after year, the programme continues to be observed according to its own rules, but a special powerful group continues to establish their masculine behaviour in a sophisticated manner. Not only on paper but in the bone marrow of people all over the world, there is a negative belief that 'Women are neglected, abused, deprived, etc! Whatever the reality, the image is permanently stuck just because women are not given full respect as ‘human beings’. This obstacle to the development of women is not only hampering their mobility but also holding back a nation.
In the patriarchal society of Bangladesh too, until a girl becomes a 'woman', guidelines are laid down for her movements, expression of opinion, and even for all her desires and reluctance. At least one-third of women in almost every country in the world are victims of violence, according to UN agencies. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 80 percent of the healthcare workers in Bangladesh, especially the maids, are women. These women are also engaged in today's crisis of COVID-19. But their recognition does not match, not at all!
After talking about the development of women, when a negotiator becomes a catalyst of physical and domestic violence against his wife, the issue becomes very provocative! According to various newspapers, from February 2022 to September 2023, there were more than 900 raped and more than 1100 cases were of domestic violence in the country, despite the horrors of COVID-19. Also, the number of unpublished events can only be understood by guessing. Surprisingly, most of the rapes and other incidents of violence against women are being perpetrated by close relatives. In other words, women are not safe anywhere at all. The evil influence of this strict masculinity and the separating floor of religious discipline is crushing women at every moment! However, in every religion, there is a clear call for respect for women.
Bangladesh, like the rest of the world, has organised a variety of programmes from November 25 to December 10 to prevent violence against women and establish human rights. In this context, the UN Secretary-General said, "Unless women are able to move freely and fearlessly, as long as they are concerned about women's safety and violence, the world will not be proud of women's equality." People from all occupations, regardless of race, religion, or gender, are called upon to speak out on behalf of women who have been tortured, are being, or have survived!
To protest the violence against women is not an easy task! Since in a patriarchal society, men have almost all the power, it is very important to change the attitude of men. Men must come forward to establish women's rights. They need to create a conducive environment for families, schools, workplaces, cities, ports, vehicles, and even various service organizations.
Proper implementation and enforcement of the law are very important. We need to ensure that a woman has access to the necessary legal and medical assistance after being tortured. The fair rights and importance of men and women in society; discrimination against women will continue if the society does not deeply realise this humanity, which is the same entity. And this work has to start from the very beginning, with the family. So, let's all stand up against violence. We resist the oppression of women by shouting from their respective places. The above actions are absolute of human beings! It is the responsibility and duty of all of us, especially men, to respect women and what they deserve as 'human beings'. We resist the harassment of women by shouting from their respective places.
There has been a lot of discussion about gender violence! Awareness has also increased in the minds of people, but later on, there is a new food for thought, that is, rape of women and children! While many have openly told the story of their rape on the condition of obscurity, most people do not want to take it seriously. Many are heard whispering or shouting in various discussions, "It's time to shed light on the issue of anti-rape talks."
When most of the cases of violence against women in the court are covered up as lies, fabrications, and motives, the issue comes up anew! In this case, women spend their days wrapped in a blanket of helplessness and shame. Even though they are victims of inhumane torture, there is nothing to say about their pain! So, they just tolerate the torture very silently in this patriarchal society! On the day when the victims of inhuman torture will protest together, mass people will mock at the male society!
For the relevant cause and for the fear of public embarrassment, the 'female' are alone today, & they do not feel comfortable sharing with any close friend! There are various alliances of women in the fight against violence against women; there is a storm of discussion on talk shows, but at that time, the oppressed women are hiding, weeping, and crying! The unanimous cooperation of all is essential for the elimination of such irregularities, injustices, and inequalities. So I am drawing everyone's attention: ‘Let everyone be gender sensitive from their respective positions to eradicate gender violence irrespective of race, religion, gender-caste ....!!!
The writer is Coordinator, Advocacy & Social Accountability, World Vision
Messenger/Fameema
