Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Violence against women (VAW) is a pervasive global issue, recognized as a violation of human rights. Defined by the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993) as any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, VAW is not merely a consequence of individual actions but is deeply rooted in structural inequalities. Understanding these structural factors is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. Recent data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) continues to highlight the prevalence of domestic violence in India, underscoring the urgency of addressing these underlying structural issues.
Patriarchal Norms and Socialization
The most fundamental structural factor is the deeply ingrained patriarchal system prevalent in many societies. This system establishes male dominance and control over women, manifesting in various forms. Socialization processes, from childhood, reinforce gender roles and expectations that normalize male power and female subordination. This includes expectations around domesticity, obedience, and limited agency for women.
- Traditional Gender Roles: Reinforced through family, education, and media, these roles limit women’s opportunities and reinforce their dependence on men.
- Honor Killings: A brutal manifestation of patriarchal control, where women are murdered by family members for perceived violations of social norms.
- Dowry System: (Prevalent in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) – Economic exploitation linked to patriarchal control over women’s reproductive and economic lives.
Economic Inequalities
Economic dependence and lack of financial autonomy significantly increase women’s vulnerability to violence. Limited access to education, employment, and property ownership restricts women’s ability to leave abusive situations.
- Wage Gap: Women consistently earn less than men for comparable work, limiting their economic independence.
- Lack of Land Ownership: In many societies, women have limited or no rights to own land, making them economically vulnerable.
- Informal Sector Employment: Women are disproportionately employed in the informal sector, characterized by low wages, job insecurity, and lack of social protection.
Legal and Institutional Failures
Weak legal frameworks, inadequate enforcement, and institutional biases contribute to impunity for perpetrators and discourage women from seeking justice.
- Delayed Justice: Long delays in court proceedings and low conviction rates in VAW cases.
- Police Bias: Instances of police indifference or even complicity in VAW cases.
- Lack of Specialized Courts: Insufficient number of dedicated courts and trained personnel to handle VAW cases effectively.
Social Institutions and Cultural Practices
Certain social institutions and cultural practices perpetuate VAW. These include:
- Khap Panchayats: (North India) – Extrajudicial bodies that often issue decrees that violate women’s rights and legitimize violence.
- Religious Interpretations: Misinterpretations of religious texts that justify male dominance and control over women.
- Media Representation: Stereotypical and objectifying portrayals of women in media that contribute to normalization of VAW.
Intersectionality
It’s crucial to recognize that VAW is not experienced uniformly. Factors like caste, class, religion, ethnicity, and disability intersect to create unique vulnerabilities. For example, Dalit women face compounded discrimination and violence due to their caste and gender. Similarly, women with disabilities are at a higher risk of experiencing VAW due to their vulnerability and limited access to support services.
| Structural Factor | Manifestation | Impact on Women |
|---|---|---|
| Patriarchy | Dowry, Honor Killings | Loss of agency, physical harm, death |
| Economic Inequality | Wage Gap, Lack of Land Ownership | Economic dependence, vulnerability to abuse |
| Legal System | Delayed Justice, Police Bias | Impunity for perpetrators, discourages reporting |
Conclusion
Addressing violence against women requires a multi-pronged approach that tackles the underlying structural factors. This includes challenging patriarchal norms through education and awareness campaigns, promoting economic empowerment of women, strengthening legal frameworks and ensuring effective enforcement, and reforming social institutions. Furthermore, recognizing and addressing the intersectional vulnerabilities of different groups of women is essential for creating a truly equitable and safe society. A sustained commitment to systemic change, coupled with robust support services for survivors, is crucial for eliminating VAW and achieving gender equality.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.