By: Nayab Iqbal
Gender-based violence is the violation of basic human rights, which has serious repercussions for the victims, and society in general. It hinders an individual’s chances of success and access to education, employment, and economic opportunities. On the other hand, it reinforces the existing unequal distribution of power between genders. Despite the severe consequences of gender-based violence, the instances of violence against women and other disadvantaged genders have risen to a significant level.
While many women experienced domestic violence as a result of being forced to live with their abusers due to the lockdown restrictions, the situation of the marginalized community of transgender remains even worse, which received little to no acknowledgment by the mainstream society. The cases of rapes, murders, and even honor-killings against girls and women continued to be reported from different parts of the world. In addition to this, experiences of harassment at workplaces, education institutes, and online spaces were also shared by multiple women.
The debate around ending gender-based violence is mainly focused on introducing stricter laws and their timely and effective implementation. While strengthening legal mechanisms remain crucial to ending gender-based violence, the role of awareness and education cannot be ignored in this regard.
We must realize that education is not merely restricted to enhancing individuals’ subject-based knowledge, but it can play a crucial role in the overall moral and social development of the masses. All educational institutes, especially schools, must offer Ethics as a separate subject, where the focus must on building better individuals by educating them about the rights, and wrongs, socially acceptable and unacceptable behaviors.
Moreover, educators can play a significant role in transforming societies for the good. From providing gender sensitization training to developing basic human values, such as empathy, compassion, and kindness, educators must focus on the overall character and personality development of individuals. Children must be trained to unlearn the existing gender bias and stereotypes which they have already learned from their surroundings. They must be taught to respect individuals irrespective of their gender, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Individuals belonging to different gender must be taught to co-exist and work in collaboration for the greater good of humanity, instead of viewing each other as a threat. Considering the gross human rights violation that has been committed in the form of gender-based violence, we must not forget that we are suffering from social and ethical dilemmas. It is through education and enhancing the masses’ level of awareness regarding the existing inequities and inequalities that we can help them raise a voice against the existing injustices, and later play a crucial role in eliminating gender-based violence.
Also, providing equal access to education opportunities to girls and women remain crucial in this regard. With more girls and women becoming aware of their rights, we can collectively raise our voice against the existing gender-based injustices and stand against all forms of discrimination, and violence committed against women belonging to different cultural, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds.
The writer is a Ph.D. scholar and an educationist by profession. Currently, she works as an English Lecturer and a Freelance Writer. She can be reached at [email protected]
