A gender war remains among us, within us, allowing prejudice, fear and hate to shape our society

BY STEVEN KASZAB

The United Nations defines gender-based violence as any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women and other persons. These include acts of violence, coercion and arbitrary deprivation of liberty occurring in public or private life.

Gender-Based Violence is a global public health problem that challenges and affects the morbidity and mortality of Women and the LGBTQ Community. It is estimated that 30% of women and 85% of the LGBTQ community have experienced at least one form of gender-based violence in their lifetime, starting from as early as 15 years of age.

The United Nations study among women of reproductive age revealed that Intimate Partner Violence (IVP) ranged from 15% in urban regions (i.e., Japan) to 71% in rural regions (i.e., Ethiopia). Evidence reveals that this problem is prominently in developing nations where socioeconomic status is low and education limited; examples are areas in sub-Saharan Africa countries.

Gender prejudice and violence directed towards women and the LGBTQ community is globally widespread, even within the well-educated populations of the developed world.

Gender-based violence is a common practice in Africa, Asia and developing nations in Latin America. African cultural beliefs and traditions promote men’s hierarchical roles in sexual relationships and especially in marriage. Despite legislative advances, gender-based violence remains pervasive and a daily reality for women, girls and the LGBTQ communities. Within Rwanda, many women and girls experience multiple and intersecting forms of violence and oppression including intimate partner violence, sexual violence, early and forced marriages, genital mutilation, and human trafficking.

Gender-biased violence directed towards the LGBTQ community is high within African society, where this lifestyle may appear as a challenge to other males’ masculinity or gender understanding. Within the Latin community, such violence exists but is far less felt than in areas within Africa. The Latin world’s understanding of masculinity seems to vary, appearing to be more accepting of “the different”. Many Latin males have multiple gender partners even within marriage. African attitudes are far more conservative and unyielding.

Gender politics have shaped our world, moving from ancient acceptance of the power and influence of womanhood to a place where religion became the excuse to oppress women and other elements of society like the LGBTQ community. Impressions from a controlling, protective society show us what we are to believe and how we are to live our lives.

Equality, self-determination and self-expression for women and the LGBTQ community remain important aspects of the developed world’s policy making and implementation. Within the continents of Africa, Central and Latin America, and some Asian nations, government policy makers attempt to legally establish the necessary laws to protect their populations, but cultural, political, societal traditions and prejudices have entangled themselves within these nations’ evolutionary movement towards equal rights and gender democracy.

A gender war remains among us, within us, allowing prejudice, fear and hate to shape our society. Like all wars, there are many casualties, but with education, determination and the hand of justice applied, this war can be won.