Nearly a third of women worldwide have been abused at least once in their lifetime. During crises, the numbers rise, as became evident during the Covid-19 pandemic and recent humanitarian crises, conflicts and climate disasters. A new report from UN Women, based on data from 13 countries, showed that two thirds of women surveyed reported that they or a woman they know had experienced some form of violence and were more likely to face food insecurity. Only a tenth of women said that victims would go to the police for help.

16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence is an international campaign originating from November 25, the International Day of Violence against Women, and December 10, the International Human Rights Day to link violence against women and human rights and highlight that such violence is a violation of human rights. The United Nations is marking the days under the global theme set by the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE campaign, “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!” to raise awareness and end violence against women and girls. As a bright and optimistic colour, orange represents a future free from violence against women and girls.

Gender-based violence is not unavoidable. It can and must be prevented. Stopping this violence starts with believing survivors, adopting inclusive and comprehensive approaches that challenge the root causes, transforming harmful social norms and empowering women and girls. We can end gender-based violence by strengthening essential services across policing, justice, health and social sectors and sufficient financing for the women’s rights agenda.

Violence against women is a current global crisis aggravated by other crises. Conflict, climate-related natural disasters, food insecurity and human rights violations all contribute to women and girls living with a sense of danger, even in their own homes, neighbourhoods and communities. The Covid-19 pandemic, which necessitated isolation and social distancing, enabled a shadow pandemic of violence against women and girls, where they often found themselves in lockdown with their abusers.

As many as 38 percent of murdered women globally are killed by their intimate partners. In some countries, the World Bank estimates that violence against women can cost up to 3.7 percent of the country’s GDP in lost productivity, thus impacting the earning capacities of many families. An estimated 5,000 women and girls are killed by family members in the name of “honour” each year, and 71 percent of human trafficking victims worldwide are women and girls, 75 percent of these women and girls are sexually exploited. Outside their homes, women are also more exposed to violence. Women and girls feel less safe walking around alone at night as sexual harassment in public spaces has gotten worse during Covid-19.

Socioeconomic stressors such as financial pressure, employment, food insecurity and family relations stand out as having a significant impact not only on experiences of safety (or violence), but also on women’s well-being overall. However, there is strong evidence that ending violence against women and girls is possible. The right policies and programmes bring results. That means comprehensive, long-term strategies that tackle the root causes of violence, protect the rights of women and girls and promote strong and autonomous women’s rights movements can bring change.

Gender-based violence is not unavoidable. It can and must be prevented. Stopping this violence starts with believing survivors, adopting inclusive and comprehensive approaches that challenge the root causes, transforming harmful social norms, and empowering women and girls.

Major causes of this tragedy include several cultural factors. Gender socialisation is also a significant determinant of how we perceive gender or react to it.

Victims of violence can suffer sexual and reproductive health consequences, including forced and unwanted pregnancies, early marriage, unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and death.

The World Economic Forum states that violence against women in Pakistan includes bride burning, dowry death, honour killings, infanticide and killing the mother for giving birth to a baby girl. An estimated 5,000 women die a year from domestic violence. Thousands are hurt or disabled.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) had rung alarm bells over the dilemma of women in Pakistan, saying 430 cases of honour killings were reported in Pakistan during 2020. Of these, 363 were women and 148 men.

The Global Gender Gap Index of the World Economic Forum ranked Pakistan at third from the bottom a couple of years ago. Pakistan was placed 151st among 153 countries. According to a report by Aurat Foundation, almost 70 percent of women in Pakistan have been victims of domestic violence at least once in their lives. This violence is generally committed by their intimate partners. These figures do not include psychological violence, which is even more common in urban communities.

Pakistan has several laws and policies against various forms of violence. Challenges remain, however, in implementing these measures. Many women still lack access to free or affordable essential services in health, police, justice and social support to ensure their safety, protection and recovery.

Recently, the president of Pakistan signed a new anti-rape measure aiming to speed up convictions and toughen sentences. The ordinance will create a national sex offenders register and protect the identity of victims. Special fast-track courts will hear rape cases and will be expected to reach a verdict within four months.

However, there are numerous barriers to implementing the initiatives to check gender based violence (GBV) in Pakistan, including misperceptions around GBV, limited legislation and lack of support systems and safety nets. Insufficient systems at the state, civil society and community levels are serious obstacles to comprehensively addressing GBV. Prevention efforts should address gender norms, root causes and risk factors of violence against women. Operative initiatives can include dedicated curricula in education systems, economic support for women and households, awareness and messaging campaigns to influence and change social norms through media, addressing males in particular.

The writer is a freelance   journalist