Systemic roots of violence against women: What global data reveals and what's missing
Original framing: “[Comment] Getting to zero: what will it take to eliminate violence against women?” — The Lancet
The original framing omits the role of indigenous knowledge systems in addressing gender-based violence, the impact of colonialism and postcolonial governance structures, and the voices of women in conflict zones and informal settlements. It also fails to address how economic inequality and lack of legal redress contribute to the persistence of violence.
High structural omission detected in mainstream coverage.
This narrative is produced by global health institutions like The Lancet, primarily for policymakers and public health officials. It serves the framing of violence against women as a public health crisis, which can obscure the political and economic dimensions of the issue. The focus on data and statistics may depoliticize the issue and neglect the lived experiences of marginalized women.
Historically, violence against women has been normalized and institutionalized through laws and social norms that upheld patriarchal control. The legacy of colonialism and forced assimilation in many regions has further eroded traditional systems of protection and justice for women.
Violence against women is a systemic issue rooted in historical and cultural patterns of gender inequality, reinforced by economic disparities and legal failures.