Chinenye Dike
Every year on March 8, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women and advocating for gender equality. While progress has been made in various areas, one pressing issue continues to persist—domestic violence. This day serves as a reminder that the fight for women’s rights is far from over, particularly when it comes to ensuring their safety in their own homes
Domestic violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally. It transcends cultural, economic, and social barriers, affecting millions of women regardless of their background. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence, often at the hands of an intimate partner. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated this crisis, as lockdowns and economic hardships led to an alarming increase in cases of domestic abuse.
Since January, there have been many cases of domestic violence trending on social media; a lot of women have lost their lives to domestic violence. The most viral ones include the case of a woman whose husband burned her to death and another woman who was left with one hand after her husband brutally cut it off. These high-profile cases are just the tip of the iceberg—many more instances of domestic violence never make it to the media, leaving countless victims unheard and unsupported.
International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating accomplishments but also about shedding light on ongoing struggles. It provides an opportunity to amplify the voices of survivors, demand stronger policies, and encourage communities to take action. Governments, organizations, and individuals must work together to address domestic violence through education, legal reforms, and support systems for victims.
Steps Toward a Safer Future
To combat domestic violence effectively, a diverse approach is necessary:
1. Stronger Legal Protections – Laws must be enforced strictly to ensure perpetrators are held accountable, and protective measures must be readily available to victims.
2. Education and Awareness – Public campaigns can challenge harmful gender norms and educate individuals about recognizing and preventing abuse.
3. Economic Empowerment – Financial independence can help women leave abusive relationships and rebuild their lives. Every woman should have a career or business that generates income, allowing her to be self-sufficient. Building financial stability ensures that, if the need arises, she can leave without fear of starting afresh. Economic empowerment reduces dependence on abusive partners and provides a pathway to safety and independence.
4. Support Services – Shelters, counseling services, and crisis hotlines should be adequately funded to assist victims in their recovery.
5. Community Involvement – Bystanders and local organizations can play a crucial role in offering support and intervening when necessary.
6. Ending Social Stigma Against Survivors – Many women remain in violent homes due to societal pressure and fear of public judgment. It is crucial to stop the bullying and shaming of women who leave unsafe environments. Social media and public discourse often label these women as failures or selfish individuals who do not want to maintain a home. This harmful narrative must change. The public should learn to support, rather than condemn, those who choose their safety over enduring abuse.
7. Support from Family – Families should never abandon their married daughters. It is essential to check on them regularly and ensure they are safe. If a daughter confides in her family about experiencing domestic violence, they should take action rather than advising her to endure and pray. Families must prioritize their daughter’s safety and well-being. If she chooses to leave her husband’s house due to abuse, she should be welcomed with open arms, provided with emotional and financial support, and reassured that she made the right decision. Families should also take steps to hold the abuser accountable and make it clear that mistreating their daughter is unacceptable.
A Call to Action
International Women’s Day should not just be a symbolic occasion but a force for real change. While we celebrate the resilience and achievements of women, we must also confront the harsh realities that many women still face. Every individual has a role to play in ending domestic violence—whether by supporting survivors, advocating for policies, or challenging societal norms that enable abuse.
As we mark this day, let us recommit to building a world where women can live free from fear, where homes are places of safety rather than violence, and where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.
Happy International Women’s Day!
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