In today’s world, violence against women remains a pervasive issue, shrouded in silence and misunderstanding. While the physical and emotional toll of such violence is well-documented, there’s a hidden culprit often overlooked: societal expectations of femininity.
Girls are taught to be polite, accommodating, and nurturing from a young age. They’re encouraged to prioritize the needs of others over their own, to smile through discomfort, and to avoid conflict at all costs. While these traits can be positive in specific contexts, they also create a culture where women are expected to endure mistreatment silently.
Consider the stereotype of the “ideal woman” perpetuated in media and society: she is soft-spoken, submissive, and always puts others before herself. This stereotype not only limits women’s autonomy but also reinforces the notion that speaking out against violence or standing up for oneself is somehow unfeminine.
As a result, many women who experience violence hesitate to come forward. They fear being judged, blamed, or not taken seriously. They worry about disrupting the status quo or being labelled as troublemakers. And so, they suffer in silence, their pain hidden behind a façade of compliance and composure.
Moreover, societal attitudes towards women who do speak out can be dismissive or even hostile. They may be accused of exaggerating, seeking attention, or ruining reputations. This further discourages victims from seeking help and perpetuates a culture of victim-blaming and disbelief.
But it’s not just overt violence that women face; there are subtler forms of oppression as well. Microaggressions, sexist remarks, and everyday acts of misogyny chip away at women’s sense of self-worth and safety. These seemingly harmless behaviours contribute to a larger culture of disrespect and disregard for women’s boundaries.
To combat violence against women, we must challenge the narrow definitions of femininity that society imposes. We must create spaces where women feel empowered to assert themselves, speak their truth, and seek support without fear of judgment or reprisal. And we must hold perpetrators accountable for their actions, dismantling the systems of power and privilege that enable violence to flourish.
It’s time to break the silence and confront the uncomfortable truths about violence against women. Only then can we create a world where all women can live without fear, oppression, or constraint.
WRITTEN BY VANESSA SITHOLE