Half the Sky Movement - Essay Example

Analysis on organizations for Half the Sky Movement This is a problem in our society which mainly involves sexual abuse to both young and mature women. Women have always been vulnerable beings due to the fact that; they cannot fight for their rights as men do. In addition, women are also thought to be weak and thus, they are treated like worthless beings by the opposite gender. This has led to misuse of women in many ugly ways. Women remain voiceless in most of these situations and are not able to fight back for what belongs to them. This was a very rampant issue in the early days, when education was only available to the male sex. During these days women never tried to complain about the abuse that they underwent (Breakthrough Organization, 1). Thus, women were sexually abused in many communities without anyone noticing or even if they noticed, no one dared to raise an alarm or report the matter to head authorities. This is because; people had been led to believe that women did not have any value and thus, they could undergo any oppression. Therefore, women continued to suffer in silence without anyone offering help. However, over the many years that have passed, the girl-child has become enlightened and educated to an extent that she can defend herself against her oppressors. Women have become educated and they are much more aware of their rights as compared to years ago, when they could not even define what was theirs. Hence, sexual abuse cases have greatly reduced and women have found their way out of the cocoons. However, there are still few sexual violence cases in the modern society. For instance, cases of wife battering have been reported, rape cases in marriages or relationships, and assault. However, the difference is that in the modern days very few women choose to suffer in silence. This is because; most of the women have learnt how to seek help from the authorities or from help organizations (HDI, 1). It is for this reason that many organizations have been established to help women in solving sexual violence issues that they might be facing in dealing with violence from the opposite sex. Breakthrough is an organization that is committed to deal with violence against women in the society. The organization defines sexual violence as all acts ranging from assault from partners, early marriages, “honor” killings and rape. Sexual Violence is viewed as a violation of human rights to a safe environment. It is seen as an issue that causes women to be insecure while living on earth. The organization views sexual violence as an act that keeps women form contributing fully to the economy of the community. The organization states that the key reason as to why women are faced with such traumatizing issues is simply because they are women. They are seen as less of a value compared to men. Research also shows that the level of education in women is less than that in women and thus, the gender difference (CIA, 2012). Thus, the organization states that the only way in which women can stop sexual abuse is self-empowerment. Women should equip themselves with education and skills such that; the community will realize that they are of value to the economy. This way, they will be able to earn respect from members of the opposite sex and be able to reduce cases of sexual violence (Breakthrough Organization, 1). Equality Now is an organization that is based in New York which mainly deals with social issues affecting the lives of women. The organization also has a branch in Kenya that mainly targets at helping women who suffer from gender based issues in Africa. Equality Now, classifies a number of practices as sexual violence. For instance, gang raping, sexual assault, child marriages and bride kidnapping. The organization views sexual violence as being a result of inequality in women. Therefore, the organization mainly works to end such acts through promotion of equality among women. According to the organization, equality between men and women will promote respect for the women. The organization tackles its cases through conducting of proper investigations, and taking the right action against the persons caught violating the rights of the victim. The organization also believes that women can be fully protected through protection by the government. It asserts that women require full support from their governments and communities in order for them to be free from violence in schools and homes. Giving of a proper punishment for the perpetrators is also seen as a way that can help to reduce sexual violence among women in the community (Equality Now Organization, 1). However, the organization does not give education as a way that can help to reduce sexual violence. Sexual Violence is indeed a brutal act that can even cause death to the victim. Even if the victim manages to survive the act, she lives with issues of low self esteem, poor morale in life and a destroyed social life. The life of a woman is usually completely changed when she is sexually abused. Therefore, in my opinion, punishing the perpetrators might not be a very effective way of stopping sexual violence. Once one perpetrator is punished, other will still commit the same crime. It is for this reason that I speak for education. In my opinion, the only key solution to sexual violence is education. Women should be equipped with the same education skills as men. This is due to the fact that; men will only start respecting and treating women right, when the women pose a challenge to them. It is for this reason that; of the two organizations I would be more inclined to Breakthrough Organization. This is because; in my opinion, the organization uses better strategies to solve the issue of sexual violence. Equality Now only uses the solution of equality among men and women. However, this strategy might not be effective because; what women need is to be given the actual strategies that promote equality. Women need to be empowered through a number of ways in order to make them strong both emotionally and psychologically. Education is one way that will certainly empower women because; they will obtain knowledge which they can use to defend themselves against their offenders. Works Cited Breakthrough Organization. "Violence Against Women." Issues. Breakthrough, 2012. Web. 4 May 2013. CIA. "People and Soceity." CIA The World Fact Book. Central Intelligence Agency, 2012. Web. 4 May 2013. Equality Now Organization. "Sexual Violence | Equality Now." Equality Now | End violence and discrimination against women and girls. Equality Now, 2012. Web. 4 May 2013. HDI. "Indices & Data | Human Development Index | Human Development Reports (HDR) | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)." Human Development Reports (HDR) - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). HDI, 2012. Web. 4 May 2013. Read More