It doesn’t have to happen to a close friend, relative, or to you for you to become a champion in ending gender-based violence. In fact, the stories on GBV are too horrific to ignore, and having a chance to read or hear them will open your eyes to the importance of ending it. I recently read a story on gender-based violence where a woman’s hands and feet were chopped off and set ablaze. And I just couldn’t believe that a human being can be that wicked to a person they once claimed to have loved.
The thought of this possibly happening to my future children, grandchildren, friends, or colleges is just heart-wrenching. Thus the need to find solutions in ending gender-based violence as soon as possible for our generation and that of our future generations. Nobody deserves to be beaten to a pulp, no matter what. Be it a male or female.
Here are seven actions you can take to end gender based violence and aid in the protection of our generation and that of our future generations
- Teach the next generation
It is very important to teach the younger generation the importance of refraining from violence. The examples we set for our children and younger siblings today have a huge impact on how they think about gender, respect, and human rights.
You can teach the next generation what is acceptable and not acceptable by holding tough and real conversations with them. Discuss gender roles and also point out the different stereotypes that they face as children and let them know that it’s OK to be different. Encourage a culture of acceptance.
Also talk about consent, bodily autonomy, and accountability to both boys and girls. By empowering young advocates with information, and educating them about women’s rights, we can build a better future for all.
2. Use Social media to spread awareness
With social media in play, the spreading of information has become easier and more effective. Using social media to spread awareness on the signs of an abusive partner, help centers, etc will aid in helping one person in one way or another. Always use social media to encourage victims to seek help and speak out. We are changing the narrative one person at a time.
3. Support comprehensive sexuality education that challenges harmful gender norms and relations.
Since my teenage years, I have never had informed and direct discussions about sex with my parents, aunties, or any close adult. With this being a norm to many young people in Kenya and Africa, pornography has become an important source of explicit information for girls, boys, and men. A meta-analysis of data shows a significant association between pornography use and attitudes supporting violence against women.
We, therefore, need to find an open avenue where teenagers and young adults can have healthy discussions about sex, and identify what is okay sexually and what is not. They should also be lessons in schools incorporating this.
4. Remove barriers to women’s economic advancement and to positions of leadership.
When you empower women you empower a whole generation. The empowerment of women will support greater equality – and may support safe reporting as well: A study in Rwanda found that women who are more economically empowered feel more secure to be able to disclose violence they have experienced.
5. Learn the signs of abuse and how you can help
One of the ways you can stop GBV is to know the signs of abuse so as to stop it as soon as possible. There are many forms of abuse and all of them can have serious physical and emotional effects. If you’re concerned about a friend who may be experiencing violence or feels unsafe around someone, review these signs and learn about the ways to help them find safety and support. If you think someone is abusing you, help is available. You are not alone. If you’d like to talk with a trained advocate at a helpline, call either of these numbers 0729 209 398 / 0800720308 (free)/ 0717 968 219.
6. Hold each other accountable
People tend to joke a lot about matters of violence, but that is not okay. Violence can take many forms, including sexual harassment in the workplace and in public spaces. Always take a stand when you see some sort of harassment happening: catcalling, inappropriate sexual comments and sexist jokes are never okay.
Create a safer environment for everyone by challenging your peers to reflect on their own behavior and speaking up when someone crosses the line, or by enlisting the help of others if you don’t feel safe.
7. Funding women’s full participation in civil society
When we have more women actively participating in civil society, they can influence the implementation of global, regional, and national treaties, agreements, and laws through exerting pressure.
As always, listen to survivors and make sure they have the support they need. Remember ending gender-based violence begins with us, and not anyone else. With these 7 actions, you can begin the end of GBV. The world only needs you to make it a better place.
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