Why Gender-Based Violence Persists in My Community

Why Gender-Based Violence Persists in My Community

Every day, women and girls in my community face violence that too often goes unseen and unpunished. From being denied education to being controlled at home, their lives are shaped by beliefs and rules that value men over women. This isn’t just about individual actions—it’s about a system of culture, loyalty, and fear that allows abuse to continue unchecked.

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1. Cultural Patriarchy and Gender Inequality

At the heart of the problem is a belief that men are superior to women, and that women are less capable both intellectually and morally. These beliefs show up in many ways:

Limited access to education: Many girls are not sent to school. People often say:
“She’s a girl—eventually she will marry and belong to another family. Why waste resources on her education when boys will carry the family name and provide for us?”

Strict control and moral policing: Families restrict girls from going out or participating in public life because they fear girls will lose their morals, compromise their chastity, or be exploited. Girls are seen as easily manipulated or too “small-minded” to make the right decisions outside the home. Sometimes, they are even beaten if they try to go to school or leave the house.

Domestic expectations and blame: Women are expected to stay at home, manage household chores, and take care of the family. If something goes wrong, they are often blamed more than anyone else.

These beliefs normalize control and oppression, creating an environment where violence seems acceptable or unavoidable.

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2. Lack of Awareness of Rights

Many women don’t know their legal rights or feel powerless to claim them. Even when laws exist, ignorance or misinformation prevents victims from seeking help. Without awareness, abuse continues unchecked, and women may not realize that the treatment they receive is unacceptable.

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3. Distrust of Formal Systems

Even when women know their rights, many don’t trust the police or government. Authorities are often seen as outsiders or unfair. Families may pressure victims to resolve matters within the community, rather than reporting to the law.

Sometimes, even if a case reaches the authorities, powerful individuals can use money, political connections, or influence to prevent justice. This discourages victims from reporting abuse and allows perpetrators to act with impunity. Corruption or manipulation within the legal system reinforces the perception that formal justice cannot be trusted, which is why many cases remain unresolved.

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4. Community Loyalty, Manipulation, and Stigmatization

Gender-based violence is also reinforced by social loyalty and stigma. Families are pressured to keep issues “within the community” instead of seeking formal justice. Victims and their families are told things like:

“We are all related—relatives, clans, or neighbors. If we report this to the law, we are betraying our own. What if your relative did the same to ours or someone else’s?”How would you like to be treated?

Additionally, victims and their families often face stigmatization. Community members may say that if the abuse is reported, “everyone will know about your girl, and no one will marry her.” This creates fear and shame, discouraging victims from speaking up and making them feel that seeking justice is socially unacceptable.

This combination of loyalty, manipulation, and stigmatization pressures families to accept private settlements or compensation, rather than pursuing legal action, allowing abusers to avoid consequences.

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Conclusion

Gender-based violence is a serious problem in my community. It is rooted in culture, social norms, loyalty, and mistrust of formal systems. To change this, we need awareness, courage, and action. Families and communities must challenge old beliefs, educate women and men about rights, and trust formal justice systems. Ending violence begins with each of us reflecting on our role and taking action.