As the world commemorates the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence from November 25 to December 10, calls to integrate this issue into national and foreign policies are gaining momentum. An estimated 736 million women globally have been impacted by gender-based violence, making it clear that addressing this concern is paramount for both domestic and international security.
Gender-based violence, distinct from general violence against women and girls, is rooted in deep-seated gender norms and power imbalances. It encompasses various forms of abuse, ranging from intimate partner violence to sexual assault, with one in three women experiencing such violence in their lifetime.
Recent incidents, such as the case of Gisèle Pelicot in France, highlight the horrific reality of gender-based violence. Pelicot endured years of abuse at the hands of her husband, reflecting a troubling societal norm that perpetuates such violence.
Experts underscore that violence against women is not merely a personal issue but a major global concern that threatens stability and security. Countries with higher levels of gender equality tend to avoid initiating conflicts, while those with significant gender inequality often plunge into violence.
Moreover, the economic ramifications of gender-based violence are staggering; it costs approximately 5.2% of global GDP and curtails economic growth. Studies show that equal participation of women in the economy could contribute an additional $2.8 trillion to global GDP.
Adopting a feminist foreign policy framework could revolutionize how countries approach national security and international relations. By prioritizing gender equality and addressing the societal issues that fuel instability, nations can foster more secure and prosperous communities.
Several countries have begun integrating feminist policies into their foreign strategies, focusing on broadening the definition of security to include human dimensions like economic opportunity, health, and environmental stability. Such comprehensive strategies underline the necessity of addressing gender-based violence as an unequivocal component of global security efforts.
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