Introduction:
Violence against women, defined by the United Nations as gender-rooted acts causing physical, sexual, or mental harm, persists at all life stages. The World Health Organization reports that approximately 30% of women globally experience such violence. Alarming statistics in India, as per the National Crime Record Bureau, indicate an increase in crimes against women from 56.5% in 2020 to 64.5% in 2021, encompassing offenses like dowry deaths, sexual harassment, torture, rape, and domestic violence.
Body:
Forms of Violence Across Life Stages:
- Female Infanticide: Prevalent due to a preference for male offspring, it is evident in India’s skewed child sex ratio (914 girls per 1,000 boys, Census 2011).
- Gender Imbalance: Discrimination results in a declining gender ratio (896 girls per 1,000 boys, Census 2021).
- Education Disparities: Traditional norms hinder girls’ education, with a literacy rate of 64.6% for women compared to 80.9% for men.
- Early Marriage: Contributes to various abuses, affecting 27% of girls in India married before 18 (UNICEF).
- Girl Child Labour: 10.8 million girls (ages 14-17) engage in hazardous work, constituting 62.8% of India’s child labor force.
- Dowry Deaths: In 2022, 9,027 cases were reported, reflecting disputes over dowry.
- Domestic Violence: Affects 28.8% of ever-married women in India (National Family Health Survey-4).
- Workplace Harassment: 70% of working women face sexual harassment, with younger women more vulnerable (Indian Bar Association).
- Violence Against Elderly Women: Cases of sexual assault and abandonment reveal the vulnerability of elderly women.
Way Forward:
- Legislative Enforcement: Implement and enforce laws eliminating discrimination in marriage, divorce, custody, inheritance, and asset ownership.
- Financial Independence: Enhance access to paid employment, fostering women’s financial autonomy.
- National Plans and Policies: Develop and resource comprehensive national plans to address violence against women.
- Capacity Building: Train service providers and law enforcement officers for effective handling of cases.
- Male Involvement: Encourage male participation in developing programs for abusers, promoting a shift in societal attitudes.
- Prevention and Support: Identify and support victims, offering appropriate referrals and assistance to prevent the recurrence of violence.
- Gender Equality Promotion: Integrate the promotion of gender equality into life skills and comprehensive sexuality education curricula.
Conclusion:
Addressing violence against women requires a multifaceted approach across all life stages. The outlined strategies encompass legislative, economic, societal, and educational dimensions, reflecting a comprehensive effort to eradicate violence and foster a more equitable and secure environment for women in India.
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