Editor’s note: The following is part two of a three-part series between Coast Reporter and the Sunshine Coast Prevention of Violence Against Women In Relationships Coordinating Committee.
The United Nations’ declaration for International Women’s Day this year invites us to envision a world where each woman and girl can exercise her choices to participate fully in a society free from violence and discrimination.
March 8 is a time to celebrate progress made, but also to call for changes that are still needed in order for women and girls to gain full equality. And while there have been many achievements, obstacles remain.
According to the United Nations’ declaration on the elimination of violence against women, continued violence against women is one of the major obstacles to the achievement of equality, development and peace.
Local women who work with victims of violence agree.
“All women live with the knowledge that we are vulnerable,” said Marj Brown, counsellor for Women’s Counselling Services at Sunshine Coast Community Services. “We learn to try to protect ourselves sometimes by limiting our options. Ask your female friends if they feel safe walking alone at night or going to social outings without a friend.
“The fear of violence sends a message to us that we are in danger and we are not valued in our communities. For those of us who have been abused the effects are even more limiting. This contributes to keeping women in a lower socioeconomic status which in turn makes us more vulnerable to abuse. Violence crosses all boundaries, but risks increase when resources decrease.”
Brown describes how women who are marginalized are at greatest risk.
“Aboriginal women, women of colour, disabled women, lesbians, older women, and young women are up against not only gender inequality, but other forms of unequal power such as racism, colonialism, heterosexism, discrimination and economic inequality,” she said.
What’s the solution?
“We all need to stand together to challenge violence and inequality,” said Brown. “After over 30 years in this work I believe that we are making headway. People around the world are speaking up to stop gender based violence. Men are adding their voices in a myriad of ways. Indigenous peoples are demanding justice. Our collective voices are getting louder.”
Author Arundhati Roy once said, “A different world is not only possible she is on her way. On a quiet day I can hear her breathing.”
Editor’s note: Part three of this series will focus on what can be done to address and end violence against women in honour of Prevention of Violence Against Women Week April 12 to 18.
