Violence against women must not be tolerated

Tomorrow, on Valentine's Day, countless couples will celebrate romance by candlelight. On the same day, one billion women and men worldwide will stand up to shine a light on the darker side of gender relations.

According to the UN, one in three women worldwide will be raped or beaten in her lifetime. In some countries, up to seven in 10 women will be beaten, raped, abused or mutilated. Often, the victims are treated as criminals - dishonoured, brutalised, ostracised, imprisoned and even executed - while perpetrators remain free.

Last December, the gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman in India - two months after Pakistan's Taliban shot 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai for advocating education - triggered large-scale public protests. This outcry should mark the start of a global movement to lift the veil of silence that shrouds violence against women - which often begins at home - and protects the perpetrators.

From honour killings to child marriages, from date rape to sex slavery, crimes against women are prevalent in every society. But, when women are courageous enough to report abuse, doctors are often unhelpful, police are hostile, and the justice system fails them.

In the 1970s, feminists identified the connection between rape, male privilege and female sexual vilification. Today, readily accessible internet pornography is teaching boys and men that sexual acts involving degradation and even violent abuse of women are acceptable.

Meanwhile, many privileged women dismiss feminism as passé. But gender discrimination continues to pervade all aspects of society.

Feminism has a crucial role to play in the 21st century. Governments must continue to advance women's rights through legislation, while civil society must promote a cultural shift that rejects women's marginalisation or mistreatment. Only by enabling women to realise their potential can countries ensure economic and social progress.