Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Alick Ponje
Published on 2024-04-08 06:20:45
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released two publications highlighting that older women and women with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to abuse, yet their situation remains largely hidden in global and national violence-related data. The health agency is urging for better research across countries to ensure these women are properly accounted for and that their specific needs are understood and addressed.
According to WHO, existing evidence on gender-based violence (GBV) among these groups shows a high prevalence. Research has found that women with disabilities are at greater risk of intimate partner violence compared to those without disabilities, and they also experience higher rates of sexual violence. However, older women and women with disabilities are often underrepresented in research on violence against women, which hinders the development of programs that cater to their specific needs.
Lynnmarie Sardinha, a Technical Officer at WHO and author of the publications, emphasized the importance of understanding the unique ways in which diverse women and girls are affected by violence and whether they have access to appropriate services. She stated that this understanding is crucial in ending violence in all its forms.
Intimate partner and sexual violence are cited as the most common forms of GBV globally, affecting approximately one in three women. Despite this prevalence, older women and women with disabilities are still targeted by these forms of violence, in addition to facing specific risks and other forms of abuse, sometimes at the hands of caregivers or health care professionals.
Research conducted by WHO indicated that physical and sexual intimate partner violence are the most frequently experienced forms of abuse among women aged 60 years and older. As partners age, some women reported a shift from physical and sexual violence to psychological abuse, such as threats of abandonment and other controlling behaviors.
The isolation experienced by older women and women with disabilities can make it challenging for them to escape violence and report abuse. In some cases, such as in Malawi, elderly individuals, particularly women, have been subjected to violence based on accusations of witchcraft. Organizations like the Malawi Network of Older Persons’ Organisations (Manepo) have been advocating against such baseless accusations and working to protect the elderly from abuse.
Andrew Kavala, the executive director of Manepo, highlighted that despite constitutional protections, the elderly in Malawi are still vulnerable to abuse. The Minister of Gender, Jean Sendeza, expressed alarm over the rising number of attacks on the elderly and committed to strengthening legal protections through the proposed Older Persons Bill. This bill aims to increase penalties for perpetrators of abuse against the elderly and improve the legal framework for their protection.
In conclusion, it is essential to recognize and address the specific vulnerabilities faced by older women and women with disabilities in the context of gender-based violence. By increasing research, awareness, and legal protections, society can work towards ending violence against these marginalized groups and ensuring their safety and well-being.
Read the original article on The Times
