EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN FOR ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

DEFINITION “ Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women and girls, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivations of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life”.

Violence against women and girls in Africa is on the increase. More violent forms, such as femicide, acid attacks, ritual rapes and murders, gang rapes, abductions, defilement and forced early marriages, Military sexual slavery, rape as a weapon of war, trafficking in women and girls and ill-treatment of widows have become more widespread.

In spite of treaties, (the Protocol to the the African Charter) conventions, legislation and policies against some cultural practices the situation of women in Africa continue to be vulnerable to harmful traditional practices and customs such as FGM and widow inheritance, which expose them to the risk of HIV and AIDS

there is a palpable feeling that legislation alone is not enough to achieve equality in Africa, that it is not sufficient to change perceptions, or cultures of sexism – the types of cultures which are permissive to gendered violence happening. Even with an increasing number of women in parliament in some of the countries and increasing legislation to prevent discrimination and violence on the basis of gender, a culture of masculinity prevails. Why is that? Unequal power relationships continue

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN TO END VAW- WHAT CAN WE DO? Obtaining data on violence against women – use these to show the economic and social cost of VAW as well as emotional and psychological impact on the affected person It is important that the extent, nature and root causes of such violence are well-documented. By analysing such information, concrete steps can be taken, both legal and charitable, to reduce the occurrence of such violence and reduce its effects.

Increase access to opportunities for women- empower women to avoid abusive relationships - empower women, free them to leave behind abusive relationships Build capabilities of women- including physical capabilities/ create awareness/ prevention programmes/ crisis counselling & support groups

Make ending VAW every one’s concern; everyone’s business: The boys in your life need your time and energy. Your son, grandson, nephew, younger brother, your male colleague. The boys you teach, coach and mentor. All need you to help them grow into healthy men. The girls in your life what are you teaching them above all what do they see!

THE UN has identified violence against women and girls "the most pervasive" human rights violation that we know today. Statistics from the world over, paint a clear picture of the social and health consequences of violence against women. According to the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), violence against women is a major cause of death and disability for women aged 16 to 44 years

The economic costs are considerable. Such violence impoverishes not only individuals, but families, communities, and governments, and stalls economic development of each nation

A POEM FOR YOUR REFLECTION: We had our first argument last night, and he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me. I know he is sorry and didn’t mean the things he said, because he sent me FLOWERS TODAY.

I got FLOWERS TODAY. It wasn’t our anniversary or any other special day. Last night he threw me into a wall and started to choke me. It seemed like a nightmare, I couldn’t believe it was real.

I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over. I know he must be sorry because he sent me FLOWERS TODAY.

I GOT flowers today, and it wasn’t Mother’s Day or any other special day. Last night, he beat me up again, it was much worse than all the other times

If I leave him what will I do? How will I take care of my kids? What about money? I am afraid of him and scared to leave. But I know he must be sorry because he sent me FLOWERS TODAY How do you help someone like this?

How do you empower someone like this? Paulo Freire speaks about conscientisation process: Identify the individual Engage in dialogue/ Reflection Lead to Action Is your Neighbour, your sister, your friend being abused? How do you engage to facilitate empowerment?

The answer to ending violence against women is first and foremost based on unequal power relations…The answer to end violence lies with you as it is such a complex issue THANK YOU