EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

1
EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

• FOR ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST
• WOMEN

2
DEFINITION

• Any act of gender-based violence that results
  in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual
  or psychological harm or suffering to women and
  girls, including threats of such acts, coercion
  or arbitrary deprivations of liberty, whether
  occurring in public or private life.

3
Violence against women and girls in Africais on
the increase.

• More violent forms, such as
• femicide, acid attacks, ritual rapes and murders,
  
• gang rapes, abductions, defilement and forced
  early marriages,
• Military sexual slavery, rape as a weapon of war,
  trafficking in women and girls and
• ill-treatment of widows have become more
  widespread.

4

• In spite of treaties, (the Protocol to the the
  African Charter) conventions, legislation and
  policies against some cultural practices the
  situation of women in Africa continue to be
  vulnerable to harmful traditional practices and
  customs such as FGM and widow inheritance, which
  expose them to the risk of HIV and AIDS

5

• there is a palpable feeling that legislation
  alone is not enough to achieve equality in
  Africa, that it is not sufficient to change
  perceptions, or cultures of sexism the types of
  cultures which are permissive to gendered
  violence happening. Even with an increasing
  number of women in parliament in some of the
  countries and increasing legislation to prevent
  discrimination and violence on the basis of
  gender, a culture of masculinity prevails. Why is
  that? Unequal power relationships continue

6
EMPOWERMENT OF WOMENTO END VAW- WHAT CAN WE DO?

• Obtaining data on violence against women use
  these to show the economic and social cost of VAW
  as well as emotional and psychological impact on
  the affected person
• It is important that the extent, nature and root
  causes of such violence are well-documented. By
  analysing such information, concrete steps can be
  taken, both legal and charitable, to reduce the
  occurrence of such violence and reduce its
  effects.

7

• Increase access to opportunities for women-
  empower women to avoid abusive relationships -
  empower women, free them to leave behind abusive
  relationships
• Build capabilities of women- including physical
  capabilities/ create awareness/ prevention
  programmes/ crisis counselling support groups

8

• Make ending VAW every ones concern everyones
  business The boys in your life need your time
  and energy. Your son, grandson, nephew, younger
  brother, your male colleague. The boys you teach,
  coach and mentor. All need you to help them grow
  into healthy men. The girls in your life what
  are you teaching them above all what do they see!

9

• THE UN has identified violence against women and
  girls "the most pervasive" human rights violation
  that we know today. Statistics from the world
  over, paint a clear picture of the social and
  health consequences of violence against women.
• According to the United Nations Development Fund
  for Women (UNIFEM), violence against women is a
  major cause of death and disability for women
  aged 16 to 44 years

10

• The economic costs are considerable. Such
  violence impoverishes not only individuals, but
  families, communities, and governments, and
  stalls economic development of each nation

11
A POEM FOR YOUR REFLECTION

• We had our first argument last night, and he said
  a lot of cruel things that really hurt me.
• I know he is sorry and didnt mean the things he
  said, because he sent me FLOWERS TODAY.

12

• I got FLOWERS TODAY.  It wasnt our anniversary
  or any other special day.
• Last night he threw me into a wall and started to
  choke me.
• It seemed like a nightmare, I couldnt believe it
  was real.

13

• I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over.
• I know he must be sorry because he sent me
  FLOWERS TODAY.

14

• I GOT flowers today, and it wasnt Mothers Day
  or any other special day.
• Last night, he beat me up again, it was much
  worse than all the other times

15

• If I leave him what will I do?  How will I take
  care of my kids?
• What about money?  I am afraid of him and scared
  to leave.
• But I know he must be sorry because he sent me
  FLOWERS TODAYHow do you help someone like this?

16
How do you empower someone like this?

• Paulo Freire speaks about conscientisation
  process
• Identify the individual
• Engage in dialogue/ Reflection
• Lead to Action
• Is your Neighbour, your sister, your friend being
  abused? How do you engage to facilitate
  empowerment?

17

• The answer to ending violence against women is
  first and foremost based on unequal power
  relationsThe answer to end violence lies with
  you as it is such a complex issue
• THANK YOU