By: Asim Nawaz Abbasi
Gender-based violence or GBV is a grave violation of fundamental human rights, with deep consequences for both individuals and society at large. It obstructs personal success and access to essential resources like education, employment, and economic opportunities. Moreover, it perpetuates the existing power imbalances between genders. Despite its severe repercussions, instances of violence against women and marginalized genders have surged significantly.
During lockdowns, many women faced heightened domestic violence, confined with their abusers. However, the plight of transgender communities, largely ignored by mainstream society, worsened. Reports continued to surface globally on rapes, murders, and honor killings against women and girls. Additionally, accounts of harassment in workplaces, educational institutions, and online spaces were distressingly common.
The discourse on ending gender-based violence primarily revolves around stricter laws and their effective implementation. While legal reinforcement is crucial, the role of awareness and education cannot be underestimated.
Education goes beyond academic knowledge; it shapes moral and social development. Schools should prioritize Ethics as a subject, emphasizing moral conduct, rights, and social norms.
Educators wield immense influence in societal transformation. By imparting gender sensitization and nurturing values like empathy and respect, they can reshape ingrained biases in young minds. Children need to unlearn prevailing gender stereotypes and learn to honor individuals regardless of gender or background.
Teaching different genders to coexist harmoniously and collaborate for humanity’s greater good is vital. The staggering human rights violations through gender-based violence highlight deep-seated social and ethical dilemmas. Education and heightened awareness of inequities enable people to raise their voices against injustice and combat gender-based violence.
Equal access to education for girls and women is pivotal. Empowered with knowledge of their rights, they can collectively oppose gender-based injustices and all forms of discrimination or violence, irrespective of cultural, religious, or socio-economic differences.
The writer is editor at The Dayspring and Global Shaper at World Economic Forum. He can be reached at [email protected]