Two decades of research in 70 countries confirms that the number one strategy for combating violence and discrimination against women and girls is the power of a strong feminist movement.
In your view, why do discrimination and violence against women and girls continue to be so prevalent?
Violence and discrimination against women and girls continues to be so prevalent because the power imbalance between men and women is so deeply rooted in our societies. Power is linked to economic status, financial security, physical and sexual health, and rights and personal freedom. Gender is a main predictor for who will be poor and who will have power. If we work to build more power and more voice for women, then we can change things.
Can better laws affect the desired change?
Good laws are an important way to challenge power imbalances and build more equality.
Yet, there is anti-violence legislation in over 125 countries around the world, and violence against women and girls continues to be a major issue even in countries with strong legal frameworks. This problem continues because underlying beliefs about what are "appropriate" roles for men and women can have a huge impact on violence against women and girls. These norms create a culture of violence, but they are hard to see and to change because they are seen as "normal." They contribute to making violence seem acceptable or expected, even if there are laws in place to prevent violence.
What is the rationale behind Oxfam's motto that the end of poverty begins with women's rights?
Our work around the world and in Canada points to gender as the most persistent predictor of poverty and powerlessness.
All human beings are of equal value and should have the same fundamental rights, which are crucial for achieving fair wages and access to basic human needs. Women's empowerment and gender equality are key to protecting the rights and improving the lives of women and girls, which, in turn, has a positive impact in other areas as well, from food security and the environment to peace-building and good governance.
Take, for example, the "Restoring Coastal Livelihoods" project on Tenekeke Island, Indonesia, where Oxfam partners provided women in the community with field training to help optimize the island mangrove forests, which play a vital function in fish stock and seaweed. Working with community leaders, the project supported local women's engagement in developing the mangrove (now "womangrove") rehabilitation program, which led to the creation of a seaweed co-operative and increased food security for the island, while at the same time increasing women's voices and shifting the attitudes towards the role and status of women.
What other measures have been effective in overcoming gender discrimination and violence?
Two decades of research in 70 countries confirms that the number one strategy for combating violence and discrimination against women and girls is the power of a strong feminist movement. People – men and women – coming together to stand up for women's rights have made significant progress in changing behaviours and attitudes at the community level.
Gender-sensitive economic and social policies, better laws – and real enforcement of those laws – are also critical to overcoming gender discrimination.
But it isn't enough. Really, one of the most powerful contributors to change is honest dialogue. When traditional, religious and political leaders – along with women, men and youth in their communities – can have open honest conversations, they become champions of change.
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| In Indonesia, Oxfam is working with community leaders to shift the attitudes towards the role and status of women. OXFAM CANADA |
How can we encourage those conversations?
Oxfam's newest program, called "Creating Spaces," is aimed at doing just that. The program will work towards creating social change in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan and the Philippines. Together with local women's rights organizations, we will create space for a dialogue about the social norms that place greater worth on men and boys, which is all too often used to rationalize violence. Our goal is to decrease the social acceptability of violence and model positive behaviours within the social spheres that are most influential to bring an end to violence against women and girls.
How can Canadians act as champions of change?
Don't be afraid to call yourself a feminist. The best way to promote social change is to live that change. If you believe in social, political and economic equality, demonstrate a deep value of equality in your day-to-day life and want to contribute to making the world a better, more just place for all, then YOU ARE A FEMINIST. Join Oxfam's International Women's Day campaign, take your selfie and use our hashtag #ImAFeminist on social media and visit our campaign page ImAFeminist.ca.
This content was produced by Randall Anthony Communications, in partnership with The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation