Gender Equality Matters
Gender Violence
Gender-based violence (GBV) encompasses any form of abusive behavior aimed at individuals because of their gender or affecting a gender group disproportionately. This kind of violence often stems from gender discrimination and unequal power dynamics between genders. It can take forms, including psychological, sexual, economic, and emotional abuse. To address gender-based violence effectively, it is crucial to promote education on gender equality, establish laws and policies for victims, and foster a shift that rejects discrimination and abuse based on gender.
In 2006, activist Tarana Burke created the "Me Too" initiative (#MeToo) with the aim of raising awareness about harassment and gender violence. The movement gained recognition in 2017 when numerous individuals, including celebrities, shared their experiences of harassment on social media using the hashtag #MeToo.
This movement shed light on the extent of harassment and gender violence prevalent in society. It exposed cases that affected people across various sectors, such as the entertainment industry, politics, and other fields. The story of Tarana Burke and the #MeToo movement exemplify how deeply rooted gender violence can be within layers of society and how public denunciation combined with solidarity can serve as powerful tools in combating it.