As a key focus within the YWCA India’s quadrennium themes, preventing violence against women has been a central area of work. One of the primary goals is to provide women, young women and, especially, those from vulnerable groups with information about their rights. We believe that knowing your rights is the first step towards accessing them. Women’s rights are human rights, and violence against women is an unacceptable violation of those rights. The YWCA prioritizes the elimination of all forms of violence and works towards creating a just and safe world, especially for women and children.
In India, some of the major human rights concerns affecting young women include HIV/AIDS, violence against women (VAW), child marriage, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Increasing awareness and knowledge about these issues has therefore been an important focus of the YWCA’s programmes.
In its work on VAW, the YWCA of India has sought to create spaces where young women can openly discuss violence and explore ways for society to address it. Through RiseUp! leadership training, young women are encouraged to speak openly about issues of violence against women and consider how they would like their communities and wider society to respond. The YWCA works with other NGOs and network partners with relevant expertise to bring different perspectives into discussions on advocacy and policy. Through leadership training, focus group discussions, personal interviews, presentations and role plays, young women are supported not only to understand their rights but also to become confident and vocal in addressing violence and discrimination against women.
The YWCA also supports young people in developing action plans for their regions and bringing them together through forums. According to the original account, a resolution developed by young women was adopted at the General Body Meeting of the YWCA of India in 2018. The action plan was centered on the motto: “EDUCATE. INTERVENE. ADVOCATE.”
What is Violence Against Women (VAW)
Violence against women, also referred to in many contexts as gender-based violence, includes acts of gender-based violence that result in, or are likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women. The United Nations defines violence against women as including threats of such acts, coercion and arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life. citeturn994412search2
According to WHO’s global estimates, approximately 35% of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence during their lifetime. Intimate partner violence is the most common form of violence against women. citeturn994412search0turn994412search11
Violence against women is both a human rights violation and a major public health concern, with consequences for women’s physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health. citeturn994412search9
Why is there such widespread violence against women?
Gender inequality and unequal power relations are important underlying factors contributing to violence against women. Social norms and patriarchal structures can reinforce expectations about gender roles, power and control and can normalize discriminatory or abusive behaviour.
These patterns can be reflected in practices and attitudes such as son preference, dowry, restrictions on women’s mobility and employment, economic dependence, sexual violence, trafficking, domestic violence and so-called honour-based violence. Such norms can limit women’s freedom, choices and opportunities and increase their vulnerability to violence and exploitation.
Who perpetuates VAW?
Violence against women can be perpetrated by people of any gender and can occur in families, communities, workplaces, educational institutions and other settings. Perpetrators may include intimate partners, family members, friends, colleagues, teachers, employers, neighbours and, in some circumstances, state actors.
Social norms can also contribute to controlling behaviour presented as “protection”, including restrictions on how women dress, where they go, whether they can travel alone, whether they can work, and what choices they can make. When discriminatory social expectations are treated as normal, women and girls may face greater risks of abuse, violence and exploitation.
Although significant progress has been made in addressing violence against women, considerable work remains. Greater awareness of rights does not always translate into access to support and justice. The YWCA has identified gaps in the implementation and accessibility of laws and support systems as important concerns. Through the continued involvement of volunteers and programmes across its network, the YWCA seeks to help bridge these gaps.
Eliminating Violence Against Women: Awareness Desk
The Y’s Eyes publication, along with booklets on Dalit and marginalized women and sexual harassment at the workplace, is made available to the public. The Awareness Desk supports awareness programmes, the development of information, education and communication (IEC) materials, collaboration with government bodies and legal-aid cells, and outreach through virtual platforms.
YWCA staff also explain the organization’s work and projects focused on eliminating violence against women. The YWCA of India has developed IEC materials covering common forms of violence against women, their potential effects, available legal remedies, and steps for assisting survivors. Topics addressed include domestic violence, sexual harassment, women’s health and safety, rape, and emergency and legal support contacts provided by NGOs and government agencies.