For Global Peace, Say No to Violence Against Women

Women are the epitome of Shakti, Prosperity, and Intellect and so, whenever we offer prayers to Maa Durga we say,
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्ति रूपेण संस्थिता, नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः, Or-
• बुद्धि रूपेण
• लक्ष्मी रूपेण
• निंद्रा रूपेण
• श्रद्धा रूपेण
• शान्ति रूपेण
• कीर्ति रूपेण
• क्षुदा रूपेण  and various other forms.
A woman, therefore, is everything that a man yearns in this life. She is power, intellect, prosperity, Bhakti, peace, fame, and much more.
But whenever I see the evolving data and media reports related to the upsurge in diverse forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, during the covid-19 situation and the consequent lockdown, I feel anguished.
I believe that violence against women is one of the most devastating human rights violations in our world today. And the worst part is, most of such cases remain unreported due to the quietness, stigma and indignity surrounding it.
Can this cruelty be stopped? Can mankind do something to stop it?
Yes, this violence can be stopped if as a society, as an enlightened community, and as an awakened world we work towards it wholeheartedly.
The world commemorates 25th November as International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. On this day, take a pledge that you will do everything you can to stop this nonsensical cruelty.
We can take a few steps to end this shameful happening, but before that let’s see how the United Nations (UN) has defined Violence Against Women.
The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women issued by the UN General Assembly in 1993, defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.” But it doesn’t stop here. Violence against women continues to be a hindrance to accomplishing equivalence, growth, and global peace. And so, on the day, take a heroic pledge and help end violence against women by taking these small steps.

1. Be Boundless and Cross Every Limit

No matter where you are, no matter what you do, promote gender equality every day. If you are a parent, raise your daughters and sons equally with the idea that they are limitless, and they are powerful to raise a strong voice if needed. Let gender never define the future of any child. Talk about respectful and equal relations between a man and a woman and, most importantly, be the role model yourself. Promote women’s independence and decision-making in relationships and in public life.

2. This is Digital World; Be Informed and Stay Educated

Both men and women should educate themselves about the causes and consequences of violence against women and spread that knowledge. Understand violence against women in terms of social structures and long-term results, rather than just as purely individual happening. Male dominance and stereotypes should never be normalized.
Moreover, in this digital age, women are subjected to violence through online means and social media too. All women should be educated about social media tools available to them for their protection like hotline numbers to report incidents of abuse. Stay aware of such phenomena and sensitize your children especially girls about that. They should never fall prey to online nuisance, cyberbullying, threats, and image-based abuse.  It is important to teach children how to use digital technology carefully, smartly, and stay safe.

3. Respond Incisively If Someone is Disclosing Violence

If you need to support someone who has disclosed to you the violence inflicted upon them, respond appropriately.
She must feel supported and encouraged to talk to you and seek help.  And never judge a woman over the context, job, position, or family background. You should always treat a woman who has experienced violence in a gracious and ethical way.

4. Raise Awareness or Be a Part of Any Awareness Drive

You should try to support organizations working to improve gender equality or those that are providing free legal or healthcare services to victims. Provide in-kind support to organizations working to end violence against women.
Attend public awareness events, highlighting the issue in your area, or organize one (following all covid-19 protocols) and inquire with local bodies about what kind of support they really need. And most importantly,

5. Every Man Must Realise, When He Hits a Woman, He is Injuring Himself

We worship the Ardhanareeshvara form of God, the Almighty whose half is a woman.  The beautiful form symbolizes that male and female bodies cannot be separated and this Ardhanareeshvara form embodies the ultimate manhood.
Therefore, when a man is inflicting violence upon a woman, it is self-harm. And if continued in its present form, it will ultimately destroy the whole of mankind.
In fact, when a male displays oppression towards a girl or woman, he is displaying his cowardness because inflicting harm towards someone weaker than oneself is nothing but cowardly and unacceptable behavior unforgivable by God.
So, raise your consciousness to a higher level and do whatever you can to stop violence, in all forms, against women. Ensure the attainment of global peace so that our coming generations can breathe in a better world.
Blessings!