"What do I say of violence against women? - What do I liken it to? ”

As a Jurist and Human Development Engineer with more than 30 years of academic and field experience, I have contributed to addressing many and diverse issues of human rights and social justice with greater focus on women’s rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women, youth, and communities. I have significantly contributed to and influenced people, policies and institutions towards harmonious, equitable and value-based relationships. Over these years I have encountered one baffling phenomenon whose pervasiveness and ubiquitous nature eludes my understanding. It resists enormous efforts to prevent and stop it. It persists in families, workplaces, across communities, nations, and generations: It is called VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN! (VAW).

Having listened to stories of horrible acts of violence from women of all ages and categories, targeting them just because they are women; having seen it happen, felt it happen, and dedicated a greater part of my professional years trying to understand it and contribute to its eradication, this is my simple summary of what VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN (VAW) could be likened to!