According to the European Union, “Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence directed against a person because of that person’s gender or violence that affects persons of a particular gender disproportionately.” GBV is often perpetrated against women and girls and by far the most pervasive form of violence, yet the least acknowledged in society. It is regarded as a violation of human rights.
Gender-based violence is deeply rooted in discriminatory cultural beliefs and attitudes that perpetuate inequality. GBV can have devastating short- and long-term threatening consequences on victim’s physical, sexual and reproductive, and mental health as well as on their personal and social well-being. The health consequences of violence against women include injuries, unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, pelvic pain, urinary tract infections, fistula, genital injuries, pregnancy complications, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the limited ability to complete daily tasks, suicidal thoughts and chronic conditions.
The health impacts of GBV sometimes extend to future generations. According to Bahgam & Mukhatari, “Study on child marriage in Afghanistan” in 2004, the health of mothers is a major determining factor in the health of their children, which indirectly affects the formation of human capital. Mothers are normally the ones responsible for the health, nutrition and education of their children. A mother who does not have access to good health, nutrition and education is more likely to pass bad habits and poor general well-being onto her children. The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) reports that stunted growth in underfed girls increases the risks of obstructed labour later in life. Malnourished mothers and their babies are vulnerable to premature death and chronic disability. Even anaemia, which sometimes leads to postpartum haemorrhage, afflicts 50-70 per cent of pregnant women in developing countries.
The prevention and management of GBV require collaboration and coordination among members of the community and agencies. Adequate funding, adequate resources, reliable accountability systems, comprehensive and integrated approach in GBV programs would go a long way in abating the prevalence of GBV and its consequences.
Speak Wednesday is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) to address issues of gender based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.
