Category: Opinion Piece

The Power of Innovation in Preventing Violence Against Women

The Power of Innovation in Preventing Violence Against Women

Violence against women is a devastating global crisis that demands immediate attention. According to the World Health Organization, one in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, and the rates are even higher in low-income countries.

The impact of gender-based violence is particularly severe during humanitarian crises such as conflicts, displacement, and natural disasters. During these crises, women and girls are at a higher risk of becoming victims of sexual and gender-based violence, including rape, forced marriage, and human trafficking.

Traditional approaches to combat violence against women have historically focused on punitive measures and criminal justice solutions. However, these approaches have been insufficient in preventing violence and addressing its root causes. Many women face cultural, economic, and social barriers that impede their ability to report incidents of violence or seek help. Moreover, these responses do not adequately address the societal norms and power dynamic that perpetuate violence against women.

Innovation has presented a unique opportunity to tackle the issue of violence against women.

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The Power of Innovation in Preventing Violence Against Women

7 Innovative Approaches to Support Gender-based Violence Survivors in the Aftermath of Humanitarian Crises

The impact of gender-based violence can be devastating during humanitarian crises, yet the complex and sensitive nature of this issue often leads to it being overlooked. To create a meaningful change in the lives of survivors, efforts must go beyond traditional responses towards initiatives that are innovative and grounded in survivor needs and rights.

This article looks at seven such approaches for informing the landscape on how to better support gender-based violence survivors impacted by war, environmental disasters or other mass crises.

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Technology-facilitated Gender-based Violence

Solutions to Combat Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

Technology has undoubtedly transformed the way we communicate and interact with one another. But, it has also given rise to a new and alarming problem – gender-based violence facilitated by technology. This is a growing concern that requires immediate attention.

Perpetrators have found new and sophisticated ways to exploit their victims through digital platforms such as email, social media, and messaging services. This type of violence, also known as Technology-facilitated Gender-based Violence (TFGV), is affecting women and girls at an alarming rate. Unfortunately, underserved communities are at a higher disadvantage when it comes to safer use of technology.

The United Nations has conducted research showing that approximately 73% of women have experienced some form of cyber violence. This is a staggering statistic that should not be ignored.

However, we cannot let the advancement of technology hinder the progress that has been made in addressing gender-based violence. It’s time to take action. We need to take measures to help solve this problem.

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Harnessing Technology to Address Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

Conflict-related sexual violence is one of the most degrading forms of human rights violations. In areas of conflict, women, men, girls, and boys experience sexual violence at unprecedented rates. This grave violation affects survivors’ physical and mental health and makes them more vulnerable to further abuse. Thus, addressing sexual violence in areas of conflict is crucial for not only ending the predatory behavior but also restoring the survivors’ dignity and self-worth.

Harnessing technology to address conflict-related sexual violence is an ongoing process that will continue to evolve as the technology landscape evolves. Technology has played a vital role in providing education, support, and mitigation of sexual violence in conflict zones. From social media to big data and virtual reality, technology has created innovative ways to solve one of the most dramatic human rights challenges of our time. While there is still more work to be done, technology has opened up the door to new ways of thinking and acting against this issue.

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Digital Age

The Digital Age and its Impact on Child Rights and Online Violence

As technology continues to evolve and take center stage in our daily lives, more and more young people are taking to the internet as a means of connecting with others, gaining information and entertainment, and expressing themselves. Unfortunately, with this newfound avenue for communication comes a new challenge involving child rights and online violence. The virtual world has unfortunately become a haven for bullying, exploitation, and even cyber crimes. There is need to recognize the significant impact of the digital age on child rights and online violence and take appropriate measures to prevent online violence and promote child safety.

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5 Ways To Help A Person Going Through Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) affects millions of people across the globe in a multitude of ways. While progress has been made to reduce it, many are still suffering and need our help. Whether you have someone close who is struggling with GBV or wish to get involved on an advocacy level – there’s plenty we can do as individuals to support those affected by this horrible crime. We must first remember that for real breakthroughs occur, survivors must be willing and able to empower themselves too. Check out five powerful ideas that could make a difference when fighting gender-based violence.

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Older Women: The Hidden Victims Of Gender-Based Violence

GBV is a growing problem among older couples, women of age 50+ but it is not always taken seriously. So, they suffer in silence. It is rampant but mostly hidden because most victims fear reporting. This scenario is as a result of cultural, and social factors and norms, fear and embarrassment to ask for help, and the belief that the menace affects mostly the young women.

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Older Women: The Hidden Victims Of Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence affects women of all ages. However, women aged 50+, have been left out of demographic surveys and studies. Most of the documented data is for women aged 15 -49 years. The lack of reliable and comprehensible data on this group makes it even difficult to design appropriate policies and interventions to support them. As a result, they end up invisible and neglected. We need to change this.

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