Since September 16, 2022, over 270 people have died in Iran, and over 1,000 have been injured. What has been the cause of such loss? A natural disaster like an earthquake? Conflict such as war? No, it is the result of ongoing protests over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. Amini, a member of the Kurdish minority, was beaten to death by Iran’s morality police for not wearing her hijab or headscarf properly. Her death has sparked worldwide protests and is the opening for our discussion on violence against women, any act that results in the mental, physical, and/or sexual harm of a girl, teen, or woman.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 3 women around the world are the victims of violence. While the vast majority of these incidents are perpetrated by women’s partners, intimate partner violence isn’t the only form of disturbing behavior women experience.
Surveys have found that 97 percent of women between 18-24 have experienced sexual harassment, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal and physical harassment of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment goes beyond stares, sexual jokes, and catcalls. It also includes sexual advances and power dynamics that pressure and coerce women, creating a hostile environment. Since 2006, the “Me Too” movement has been drawing attention to the issue of sexual abuse, harassment, and rape culture. Because of the “Me Too” movement, powerful men like Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby have been prosecuted for their behavior toward women.
It is important to understand that sexual harassment is not the same as sexism, prejudice, devaluation, and discrimination based on an individual’s sex. Examples of sexism include gender role stereotypes like the belief that women should do the laundry or are bad drivers. It can also extend to the workplace, where women are often paid less than men. Arguably, sexual harassment involves actions taken against women, while sexism involves attitudes about women that impact the quality of their lives.
