Women Empowerment Culturist, Literary Luminary and Women’s Rights Championer Mayaa SH speaks on Gender Based Violence and Body Shaming.
Acts of gender-based violence are emphasised as resulting in ‘physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occuring in public or in private life. According to the World Health Organization, female genital mutilation comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Female genital mutilation is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It reflects deep-rooted inequality between women and men and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women. Women have been objectified through various means as a source of inanimate objects with no life or emotions. Inhuman or degrading treatment have been derogatory and discriminatory to gender-sensitive and human-rights approach, which empowers girls and women to be in control of their lives, and which balances the state measures of protection, prevention and prosecution.It is estimated that one in ten women have already experienced a form of cyber violence since the age of 15. Access to the internet is fast becoming a necessity for economic well-being, and is increasingly viewed as a fundamental human right; therefore it is crucial to ensure that this digital public space is a safe and empowering place for everyone, including women and girls. Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, is any pattern of behavior that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. It encompasses all physical, sexual, emotional, economic and psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This is one of the most common forms of violence experienced by women globally. Economic violence involves making or attempting to make a person financially dependent by maintaining total control over financial resources. Psychological violence involves causing fear by intimidation; threatening physical harm to self, partner or children; destruction of pets and property; “mind games”; or forcing isolation from friends, family, school and/or work. Emotional violence includes undermining a person’s sense of self-worth through constant criticism; belittling one’s abilities; name-calling or other verbal abuse; damaging a partner’s relationship with the children; or not letting a partner see friends and family.
Honor killing is the murder of a family member, usually a woman or girl, for the purported reason that the person has brought dishonor or shame upon the family. These killings often have to do with sexual purity, and supposed transgressions on the part of female family members. Gender roles in society are directions about how one is supposed to speak, behave, and dress according to their sex. Distinct gender roles are one major reason for violence against women. Our society has long been dominated by these gender norms and relationships. Gender roles are societal constructs that have grown over time and are not based on inherently feminine or masculine traits. Some might argue that since traditional gender roles have been followed for such a long time and are still important for human growth, they should not be modified. There must be more awareness about the root causes of the violence against women. Equal rights for men and women must be a topic of initial education for both sexes. Women should be encouraged more to speak up or raise their voices against violence.
Body shaming involves humiliating someone by making inappropriate or negative comments about their body size or shape. As well as “fat shaming,” you may also hear negative comments if you’re underweight or in reference to a specific body part. Body shaming can lead to mental health issues including eating disorders, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and body dysmorphia, as well as the general feeling of hating one’s body. Experiencing body-shaming can interfere with your self-image and make you feel extremely self-conscious. This can escalate into body dysmorphic disorder, where you become obsessed with a perceived appearance flaw that can create repeated avoidance behavior. Higher rates of depression and anxiety, Low self-esteem and low body satisfaction, Increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors are some of the underlying causes that can lead to long-lasting psychological and physical health consequences. Women can be body shamed for appearing to have a man-bulge, or for having broad shoulders, physical traits that are typically associated with men. Suicide due to body shaming is the fourth leading cause of death in 15–19-year-olds. Hair grows on the arms, legs, private areas, and underarms of all people, except for those with certain health conditions. However, many people have the idea that women should remove all of their body hair, or they won’t be “ladylike.”
Examples of body hair shaming are calling a woman with underarm hair “beastly,” or telling a woman she needs to shave. Bullying or discrimination of people for being attractive, is something that happens regularly. And even more than that, people are bullied for being considered unattractive, which is also known as “lookism. In relation to body-shaming, an ageist remark may sound like, “They’re too old to wear that much makeup.” Body neutrality encourages a focus on the positive functions that bodies can perform. Learning about it can make anyone feel better in their own body, improve your relationship with food, and boost their self-esteem. By practicing speaking positively about themselves and their bodies and noticing qualities about thmeselves and others that one likes and appreciate, one can deepen one’s care, compassion, and connection with others and with themselves.
The present scenario of women must be directed towards growth, and a gender-egalitarian society must be created to shatter the glass ceiling,power hegemony,male chauvinist outlook and power-based hierarchy. More effective laws and legislation must be created to make the globe safer for women.
-©® Mayaa
About the Author:
Championer of Women’s Rights, Authoress, Public Intellectual, and a former corporate juggernaut, Mayaa SH is a recognised crusader on Indian’s contemporary verve of economics, freedom of the press, gender neutrality and human rights, Mayaa has authored 9 bestselling works essayed as self help books and co-authored more than 150 books. She is a multi National and State Award Winner and has numerous accolades that have won her global recognition as well. Her power of self belief has helped many across the country to rediscover and reignite with themselves. This has institutionalised her infinite belief in “The Power Of A Determined Mind” and helped provide respite to many with her talks. Mayaa SH, is a literary luminary and is a fierce advocate for women’s empowerment and positive feminism. Recognized by the United Nations, she challenges societal norms and addresses gender inequality. With over 150 anthologies and nine solo books to her credit, Mayaa SH envisions a society where women have equal rights, contributing to the nation’s development. Her impactful contributions resonate globally, inspiring change.
