From gaining the right to vote to being in the race to presidency, women have conquered a multitude of obstacles in the race towards equality. The month of March is a time to recognize the economic, social, and political achievements that women have made and continue to make. What is now known as Women’s History Month started as International Women’s Day in 1911. This day of celebration transitioned to a full week in 1980. By 1987, women’s success in leadership, the arts, science, and sports became an acknowledgment for the entirety of the month of March. Recognizing women’s contribution to culture, history, and society helps secure peace and encourages social progress.
Violence against Women
While the empowerment of women continues to flourish, voices are amplified, and the future is inspiring, issues and inequalities against women are still relevant in society. Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power over an intimate partner. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels, but unfortunately low-income women are the most likely to be the victims of this abuse. Roughly 25% of women experience severe intimate partner physical violence, as opposed to 14% of men. Also, The Justice Department estimates that 20% of college females will experience rape, but less than five percent of these incidents will be reported.
Gendered Stereotypes
An alarming issue that contributes to violence against women is gender roles. From a young age, boys’ violence is normalized and a gender division between male and female is created. The phrase, “boys will be boys” helps make an excuse for male’s aggressive behavior. Growing up in an environment of gender stereotypes can cause an unhealthy idea of how boys and girls are supposed to act. When young girls grow up in an environment like the one described, that lifestyle can validate that violent behavior from boys is acceptable. This unequal development of genders is one of the many issues resolving in an increased amount of violence towards women. Due to the power differences between the genders, women find it difficult to speak out against perpetrators. This unfortunate silence leads to a significant number of incidents going unreported.
Our Mission
Women’s History Month is a time to empower women with the accomplishments that continue to occur, and raise awareness of the violence that still is happening. Albion Fellows Bacon Center provides advocacy, support, shelter, and empowerment for anyone dealing with incidents of domestic violence. Women’s History Month only lasts a month, but Albion encourages the equality of women, the elimination of violence, and the acknowledgement of accomplishments on a daily basis.
Donate to Albion and join us in our mission to break the cycle.
To learn more about domestic violence visit https://albionfellowsbacon.org/afbc or contact us at 1-812-422-5622.