Daily Times

In 2013, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared violence against women as an “epidemic global health problem.” The WHO report highlighted the transnational exploitation and violence towards women and girls. It calculated that one in three women worldwide would experience sexual or physical violence, most often from their husband or male partner. This tragic situation can be attributed to a combination of factors: 1) the toxic male chauvinism that devalues women’s lives 2) a by-product of cultures that accepts violence and harassment against women and 3) an institutionalised misogyny intended to continually violate the rights of women.

Derived from the Greek misogynia (anti-woman), misogyny is an unreasonable fear or hatred of women. Misogyny differs from male chauvinism. The latter supports male political privileges and favours female subjugation in law; misogyny is an emotional prejudice based on phobia or dislike. Misogyny is by no means limited to modern civilisation. It occurred in many kinds of societies, and at all levels of human social organisation, including in the earliest cultures, and at all times in history.

Many organised religions have contributed to institutionalising misogyny in society. Religious texts and pulpits were frequently used to criticise women for various moral defects and condemn woman’s body for the lust it inspires in men. Faith leaders blamed women for licentiousness and depravity and for committing original sin or its theological equivalent. Mahatma Gandhi aptly said: “Of all the evils for which man has made himself responsible, none is so degrading, so shocking or so brutal as his abuse of the better half of humanity: the female sex.”

Unfortunately, gender discrimination and violence remain commonplace around the world. There are startling reports of violence against women, such as kidnapping, rape, stoning and burning that surface week after week. Far too many women and girls are still denied an education, forced into early marriage or compensated at a much lower rate than their male colleagues. The rates of gender-based violence against women — as well as men — are staggering. This violence can destroy lives of individuals, as well as communities. The problem is particularly acute in the developing world, where equal choices, rights and opportunities for women appear an unattainable dream. Women face institutionalised discrimination, and gender equality is seen as a threat and not as an opportunity. Some Islamic states advocate medieval thinking and backward ideology of women being half of men.

Sometimes, without specific political ends, misogyny has no formal ideological position other than to denigrate females. Take for instance, the recent occurrences in Pakistan. The country’s defence minister attempted to body shame a female colleague in parliament. A Senator representing a religious party allied to government, hurled expletives and threatened a female co-participant on a nationally televised talk show. The press is inundated with graphic reports of murderous violence against women perpetrated by husbands and family members. Women continue to be treated like inferior citizens, suffering undue violence, objectification and discrimination. Misogyny and brutalisation of women is imbedded in culture, politics and society.

There is no easy solution to institutionalised misogyny, gender discrimination and violence, but one important step would be to press member states to implement the spirit of the United Nation (UN) Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which upholds equal rights for men and women. This may lead to the passing of anti-discrimination bills by individual states. These bills would mandate equal treatment for everyone regardless of gender or other factors. Clearly worded laws would signal that women and minorities deserve equal rights. Such laws could help to reduce the role of institutionalised misogyny in society.

More female leaders would also help to diminish gender barriers by providing other women and girls with visible role models. Women in politics, business, management and education can provide powerful examples for others. Moreover, societies need to value work done in home — in raising families — the same way they value work in the office. Women and men alike face judgment and discrimination for choosing to stay at home with their families instead of remaining in the work force. Furthermore, children must be taught to value equality, to practise respect and to stand up against discrimination.

But changing the male mindset remains the most significant challenge in combating gender exploitation and violence. Powerful cultural change cannot happen when only half of the population works toward that change. We cannot expect real change to occur if we do not teach every citizen the same values of respect and equality. Men have a key role to play in demanding and supporting this societal shift. They need to act, set examples and be role models. Men must not fear gender equality. In fact, they need to speak out in support of it. Men should accept that it is time for the full and equal participation of women in social, political and economic worlds to be the norm, not the exception. This is an essential part of any society that wants to be a leader in sustainable development, clean economic growth, social justice, peace and security.

The writer can be reached at shgcci@gmail.com