A recently published study on violence against women found that the mobilization of feminist movements is more important in stopping violence against women than the wealth of nations, left-wing political parties, or even the number of women in politics.
The study, conducted over 40 years and in 70 countries, is the largest study on violence against women ever conducted. It found that feminist movements were the first to bring attention to the issue of violence against women, push for government action, and command support and attention from the public and the media.
Co-author of the study Mala Htun said, “Social movements shape public and government agendas and create the political will to address issues. Government action, in turn, sends a signal about national priorities and the meaning of citizenship. The roots of change of progressive social policies lie in civil society.”
So even though change might sometimes seem almost impossible, remember: feminism is more effective than anything else in stopping violence against women. We can do it!
Image from feminist.org.
