Gender-Based Violence in Refugee Camps: Understanding and Addressing the Role of Gender in the Exper

By Sancia John

Although the rights of women are frequently coalesced into the more generic designation of “human rights,” apprehending the experiences the vulnerable endure should not be undermined. Many refugees are tormented with relentless harassment due to the malfeasance of gender discrimination. Approximately 80% of these victims are women and children refugees. This large sector of the world’s population is frequently confronted with physical, verbal, and sexual assaults. Roughly 49% of adult women are tortured by human trafficking. Women and girls combined account for 72% of human trafficking victims. Furthermore, girls represent more than 75% of child trafficking victims. In addition, more than 80% of women and 75% of girls are trafficked due to the malicious incentive of individuals’ sexual exploitation. Unfortunately, several governmental departments disregard this augmented dilemma and the outbreak of brutality that stems from this quintessential concern (Jensen, 19).

Gender-based violence can also be formulated in the economic, social, and political realm. This distinct epitome of ruthlessness wrecks an individual’s safety and induces physical, mental, and reproductive repercussions. Therefore, the contemporary prejudice targeted towards females is “one of the greatest global human rights violations”. Gender-based violence has been candidly acknowledged due to tenacious activism and advocacy of audacious suffragists. According to several feminists, this cultural perplexity we often confront is presumed to be derived from the cultural implication of the inevitable degradation of women in ancient civilization. The notion that is associated with this brutal practice is patriarchal terrorism which states that a wife is regarded as the property of her husband (Jensen, 19).

We, as humans, should absolutely uphold the intrinsic value of every individual and realize that only after this crucial feat is globally accomplished can the world resume in its daily duties with harmony and coherence. As the compelling and powerful feminist Malala Yousafsai said, “I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard...we cannot succeed when half of us are held back” (Jensen, 19)

Works Cited:

[1] Jensen, Mie A. “Gender-Based Violence in Refugee Camps: Understanding and Addressing the Role of Gender in the Experiences of Refugees.” Inquiries , Inquiries Journal, 1 Feb. 2019, www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1757/gender-based-violence-in-refugee-camps-understanding-and-addressing-the-role-of-gender-in-the-experiences-of-refugees#:~:text=In%20a%20refugee%20setting%2C%20there,(UNHCR%2C%201995%3Apara.