The importance of culture in eradicating gender-based violence is fundamental, because the attitudes, norms and values embedded in society directly influence the way in which gender-based violence is perceived, tolerated or fought against.
Culture shapes beliefs and attitudes from an early age, through processes of socialization and education that can change sexist perceptions and attitudes from the very beginning and can contribute to a more just society.
Cultural norms and values influence how violence is defined and tolerated, so the importance of promoting values such as equality, respect and empathy can change societal expectations regarding gender relations. It is important to encourage non-stereotypical gender representations that challenge traditional roles and promote egalitarian relationships.
Many acts of gender-based violence are linked to gender stereotypes. Challenging and removing them is key to changing attitudes and preventing the normalization of violent behavior. Also, encouraging the active participation of society in promoting gender equality and condemning violence against girls and women contributes to building a culture that does not tolerate such violence.
Culture influences the acceptance and implementation of laws and policies related to gender-based violence. It is crucial to create a cultural environment that supports and strengthens gender equality at all levels. A culture that promotes women’s empowerment and equal opportunities can reduce vulnerability.
I bet that culture and art will change habits to eradicate gender violence. This cultural change involves transforming the attitudes, values and behaviors embedded in society to build a fairer and safer environment for all people, regardless of their gender.
Since femicide was classified as a crime in Ecuador in 2014, by 2023 we will have lost 1,617 female lives to violence, a number that is growing year by year, according to the Latin American Association for Alternative Development. Let us not be indifferent to the large number of girls and women who are exploited, abused and abused in our society, without opportunities, objectified, dehumanized and without rights. They are not part of the statistics because they come from sectors in extreme poverty, live on the streets and no one reports them.
From the House of Ecuadorian Culture, the core of Guayas, through art, I intend to carry out a permanent activism for the care of our children, strengthening their cultural rights, keeping them away from addiction, creating opportunities for the empowerment of women through our programs and giving a voice to many women who do not have one. Hence the importance of joining efforts to strengthen cultural rights as a mechanism for preventing violence, caring for and empowering women, transforming the reality that currently perpetuates gender violence. (OR)
Source: Eluniverso
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
