Ending gender-based violence: a call for collective action

Ester goes on to say that there are some key principals followed by PARCS, which, by sharing, she hopes may help encourage a collective responsibility to address violence against women and girls:

1. Facilitate awareness – shifting cultural norms and raising our voices

The first step in ending violence is to challenge the cultural norms that perpetuate it. Violence against women is not just a physical act; it’s a product of deeply ingrained beliefs, societal gender norms and the objectification and dehumanization of women and girls. These attitudes are passed down through generations, reinforced by media, education, and social institutions.

To change this narrative, we must start with education—teaching all children from an early age about respect, equality, equity and the impacts of misogyny, patriarchy and its links to other forms of social oppression. We must cultivate a generation that knows violence is never the answer and that everyone has the right to live free from fear, harassment, and abuse.

2. Create disruption – holding perpetrators accountable and being active bystanders

One of the greatest barriers to ending violence is the impunity with which many perpetrators operate. In too many places, violence is overlooked, ignored, or even justified. Governments, law enforcement, and judicial systems have a responsibility to ensure that perpetrators of violence are held accountable but we can all be active bystanders. By being active bystander, we become disrupters of sexual and domestic violence and build communities where we do not tolerate abuse.

3. Offer support – creating networks and systems that empower women and girls

Empowerment of women and girls is vital. When women and girls are more able stand up for themselves, when they have access to education, resources, and support systems, they are better equipped to fight back against violence.

Empowerment is about changing the power dynamics that often silence and marginalise women. We must create spaces where women’s voices are heard, valued, and acted upon. When women and girls’ environment empower them, they are no longer victims, they can move past being survivors and become advocates for change. Be seen for their humanity and not by their gender or their dehumanising experiences.

Ending violence against women and girls cannot be achieved in isolation. Support networks are essential to providing survivors with the care they need. We all have our part to play and we can all be one piece in the jigsaw. It starts with each of us deciding to act—to break the silence, to support survivors, to call out violence when we see it, and to work toward creating a culture of respect and equality for all.

What action will you take?

Take a look at our series of videos exploring how you can take action to help end gender-based violence.

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