Women deserve freedom from the shackles of violence
In a world where progress is the heartbeat of change, it is imperative that we stand united in the pursuit of justice and equality. This week, I shine a spotlight on a crucial issue that affects women globally – their right to be free from violence. On Friday I shall be speaking at the Reclaim the Night walk in Cirencester, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which kicks off 16 days of international activism leading up to Human Rights Day on 10th December.
Violence against women is an egregious violation of human rights, an issue that transcends borders and cultures. It is an affliction that knows no socio-economic status, education level, or age. However, our collective strength lies in acknowledging the problem, raising our voices, and fostering change.
At the heart of this matter is the fundamental right of every woman to live free from fear, intimidation, and harm. The statistics are sobering, but they underscore the urgency of our mission. According to the UN, more than 1 in 3 women experience gender-based violence during their lifetime, and worldwide more than 5 women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their own family. For reasons of shame or fear, this violence is often hidden behind closed doors.
We might even normalise it. I was disturbed to notice that when I was first asked to speak at the event, I said I had never experienced gender-based abuse… until I remembered an incident at university when a big rugger-bugger of a student found decorator’s tools that had been left on the staircase and used them to break into my room. He got into my bed and refused to leave. I had nowhere else to go so I spent the night shivering on the tiny sofa.
Now, is a non-incident compared with what many women face – years of emotional, physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse, or short, sharp, violent attacks. But the disturbing thing about it was that I’d just about forgotten about it, writing it off as a youthful indiscretion that didn’t really do any harm.
But it’s the attitude that is harmful – the attitude of entitlement, the attitude of domination, the attitude that my right to sleep safely in my own locked room was less important than his desires. I was lucky that he was too drunk or too tired to do anything worse.
It’s that fundamental attitude that needs to change, and it starts with education. Both girls and boys need to learn the value of respect, kindness and equal partnership. Violence by males towards females is in many ways just one aspect of a wider pattern of domination – rich over poor, Global North over Global South, white skin over dark skin, my country over your country, my political party over your political party, humans over nature. It’s time for that attitude to end, and for us to recognise that ALL lives matter.
This newsletter is a call to action – to break the silence and challenge the norms that perpetuate violence against women. We encourage open conversations within our community, workplaces, and homes to dismantle the barriers that hinder progress.
Let’s recommit ourselves to the cause of women’s rights. By standing together, we send a resounding message that violence against women will not be tolerated. Through education, advocacy, and unwavering solidarity, we can build a world where every woman can live without fear and embrace her right to live free from violence.
If you are suffering from domestic abuse and live in Gloucestershire, contact GDASS. In Wiltshire, contact FearFree.
Other News
A hectic weekend for Christmas markets coming up, and I do love a good Christmas market! Given the limitations of time and space, and with the Inaugural General Meeting of the new South Cotswolds Lib Dem party also in the mix, I won’t make it to all the ones I know of: Cirencester, Malmesbury and Purton (and please let me know if I’ve missed yours). But I did make it to Kemble last weekend, which was fantastic!
I was back on Politics West last week, talking about the reshuffle, autumn statement, and…. rats. Available on iPlayer.
We’ve been busy knocking on doors in the by-election ward of Lechlade, Kempsford, and Fairford South, on behalf of our candidate, Tristan Wilkinson, who is a top bloke and will make an excellent councillor. Much disgruntlement with the current government – and, unfortunately, with politics more generally. We have a lot of work to do to restore people’s faith after the damage done over the last few tumultuous years. We need steady, competent politicians committed to serving their communities and their country – like Tristan.
I’m on a brief trip to Italy to speak at an event on women’s empowerment tonight in Florence. Yesterday I visited the magnificent cathedral in Siena with a friend. She commented that these enormous religious buildings seem designed to make a person feel insignificant. I believe we need the opposite – to be saying to people: your voice matters, YOU matter – and to rethink our systems so that everybody has more say in the decisions that affect their lives.
(Photo: my new yellow hat, handmade by Giovanni in Siena)
Quote of the Week
“Respect a woman not because they demand it, but because they deserve it.”
— Saraswati Awasthi