Change perception on women

Allow me to make remarks on people who still support battering of women in our society. It puzzles and disturbs me that some men have failed to change their perception on women. A lot more effort is needed to garner a deeper understanding of a shift in gender relations and rights. As men, we must appreciate that despite all our cultural beliefs and inclinations, gone are the days when gender was looked at as a factor in managing homes or families.

Men and women must all show respect for each other, including each one’s right to work, pursue education, compete for elective positions and support the family. We are all equal partners and there is no need to create a complex terrain of gender relations that yields domestic violence. Beating is an old-fashioned corrective measure, which is discouraged in all forms and extent. Understanding women’s rights and empowerment does not necessitate a lens for anybody to know how important they are now. You cannot use battering as a means to show love.

Battering is one major indicator of gender-based violence in our communities. World over, issues of women’s empowerment and gender equality are at the top of agendas. We all have a duty to deal with all gender inequalities perpetuated in all cultures to fight violence. As such we need a “multi-dimensional social process that helps people, both men and women to gain control over their own lives and be part of the process. Battering women deters them from developing the power to deal with issues in their communities and families.

Embracing the sustainable development agenda cannot be possible if we don’t change our perception on women. Gender equality is a human rights issue and a precondition for, and indicator of sustainable development. Having formal legal protections is important to strength all efforts of government, civil society, and the private sector to commit themselves in promoting women’s rights and gender equality. Women and men working together as a team helps create a diversified human resource which puts success chances very high. Gender equality is a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable homes.