World cannot ignore acts of violence against women
Vincent Piket says the world needs to strengthen its resolve to stamp out all forms of violence against women, which still too often go unpunished
The motto of this year's Women's Day, "Inspiring Change", underlines the fact that women and girls around the world continue to experience discrimination and violence in their everyday lives. This must change.
Discrimination and violence against women is a global scourge. Violence takes many forms, including physical, mental or sexual violence, violence based on so-called "honour", trafficking, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, rape as a war tactic, unwanted sexual advances, physical contact or other forms of sexual harassment at work. In the absence of an effective remedy, acts of violence against women too often remain unpunished.
Violence against women and girls is a worldwide phenomenon, crossing all borders, all generations, all nationalities, and all communities. Yet it remains hidden, under-reported, underprosecuted and underpunished. This trend must be reversed.
According to a 2013 global review by the World Health Organisation, 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced either sexual violence at the hands of someone who is not their partner, or physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner, or both. The European Union, Hong Kong and Macau are not immune to the problem. Recognising this reality is the first step in addressing the problem.
Violence against women is a violation of fundamental rights. Too often still, it is wrongly perceived as a "private" issue or condoned on grounds of custom and tradition. There are also serious consequences for the health of victims, such as the spread of HIV and unwanted pregnancies.
The public interest to act is high. A 2006 Council of Europe study put the annual cost of domestic violence in the EU at €16 billion (HK$171 billion); this includes health costs, law enforcement expenses and loss of productivity.