Empowering Women: The Key to Ending Intimate Partner Violence and Achieving Equality

Empowering Women: The Key to Ending Violence and Achieving Equality

One of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to empower women and girls through education, eradicating violence against them. A comprehensive study on married women in low-income countries highlights critical factors fueling this violence. These include societal norms that accept violence, extramarital relationships, early marriage, low educational levels, and lack of decision-making power. Childhood abuse, mental health issues, and economic hardship further exacerbate the problem, stifling women’s empowerment.

The Transformative Power of Education

Education is a powerful tool for reducing women’s vulnerability to violence. It equips women with the knowledge of their rights and offers a pathway to a better life. Without awareness of legal protections and cultural attitudes that undervalue women, many find themselves trapped in cycles of abuse. Education disrupts this cycle, fostering empowerment and enabling women to challenge oppressive relationships.

Studies reveal that higher educational attainment delays marriage, reducing the likelihood of violence. Extended education allows women to build careers, develop self-confidence, and achieve financial independence. Moreover, a spouse’s education level also plays a role; educated men are more likely to challenge traditional gender norms, fostering equitable and respectful relationships.

Employment, Gender Roles, and Violence

Interestingly, women’s employment status can also influence their experiences of violence. In traditional societies like Sri Lanka, power imbalances within gender roles and financial dependence contribute to abuse. Economic stress and household dynamics make women in low-paying jobs especially vulnerable. Limited financial empowerment prevents them from leaving abusive situations, perpetuating the cycle of violence.

Families as Agents of Change

Addressing violence against women requires a fundamental shift in cultural attitudes, starting at the family level. The enlightened approach envisions families as units of transformation, challenging traditional gender roles. In this model, every family member—regardless of gender—has equal rights and shares responsibilities like decision-making, resource management, and household tasks.

This inclusivity strengthens family dynamics, fostering mutual respect and collaboration. Shared decision-making reduces the burden on women and enhances the family’s overall well-being. Families practicing gender equality experience reduced tensions, improved financial stability, and better parenting. When men and boys actively participate in domestic roles, women gain time and opportunities to pursue education, employment, and self-development. This will help eradicate women as domestic violence victims. 

Empowering Women to Combat Food Insecurity

Women play a crucial role in household food systems, yet many face health and nutrition insecurity due to gender inequality. Empowering women to take leadership roles as “food administrators” can improve household nutrition and combat food insecurity. Gender-equal families work together to ensure resources are equitably shared, benefiting everyone.

Empowerment fosters multiple benefits:

1. Reduced Workload: Men and boys share tasks, alleviating women’s burden.

2. Improved Finances: Families pool resources and share responsibilities, enhancing earning capacity.

3. Greater Harmony: Equitable partnerships reduce family tensions.

4. Enhanced Self-Worth: Women’s contributions are valued, boosting self-esteem.

5. Better Parenting: Gender-equal families raise children with shared values of respect and collaboration.

Breaking the Cycle of Violence Through Empowerment

To tackle intimate partner violence and gender inequality, it’s crucial to expand educational opportunities, promote women’s decision-making abilities, and challenge harmful cultural norms. Delaying marriage through extended education allows women to grow personally and professionally. Families that embrace equality create a ripple effect, driving societal transformation.

By empowering women and fostering gender equality within families, communities can work together to eliminate violence, reduce food insecurity, and build a more just and equitable world.