Building a world free from violence

AS WE commemorate 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, between November 25 and December 10, it is timely to reflect on how to build a world free from violence against women.

- FLORA TECKIE

Violence against women and girls persists in a wide range of forms and it is unfortunately a fact of life for many women and girls, everywhere, regardless of race, class or educational background.

In its statement titled 'Ending Violence Against Women', the Bahá'í International Community says: "Violence against women is a yardstick by which one can measure the violation of all human rights", and that "Our challenge is to search out new strategies and adopt fresh models that will encourage a healthier, more cooperative society at all levels.

"We need to move consciously away from patterns of force and aggressivity and towards methods of consultation and peacemaking".

Eradicating bias and violence against women is a multidimensional process which requires substantial change in behaviours both within our families and in our communities.