There is no small violence, there are simply some that are less perceptible than others, they are levels that we can observe in different ways.
Fernanda Sierra
A concept that prevails in our society is gender-based violence, that is, a type of physical, psychological, sexual, institutional, or political aggression exercised against people based on their sexuality, orientation, or gender identity, which causes a serious impact on their well-being. It is a term that has gained importance due to its recurrence among women and girls, and aggression that is not always visible and justified by the perpetrator.
In particular, the type of violence that does not harm the physical body is a demonstration of superiority that is inflicted by means of threats, insults, subtle or excessive teasing, and verbal expressions that have an impact on emotional health and self-esteem. It has been studied that violence is a learned behavior and is related to psychological or temperamental factors of certain individuals, in addition to social and cultural norms, as well as to the expectations that a man has to fulfill in society.
These aggressions have been recorded throughout history. For example, women physicians in the Middle Ages were called “witches” and sentenced to death. Women scientists were denied access to higher education and recognition for their discoveries, and many of their works were published by men since women were not allowed to do so with their authorship. Until the end of the 20th century, the history of art relegated the contribution of women painters, whose names are little known, they did not have access to art schools or to meetings and discussions with male colleagues, who underestimated their legacy. This has brought new discussions about the role of women in art, always as muses or naked models, and rarely recognized for their talent. Pseudonyms were also used in literature several centuries ago, in order to publish without being rejected for not being men. In our time, the author of the successful Harry Potter saga (1997) was published under the name J.K. Rowling for fear that readers would be reluctant to buy her books, written by a woman.
Current legislation has failed to overcome prejudice, and educational, scientific, and corporate institutions have been required to hire women as well as men so that a requirement of numerical equality is met. Many women question these policies, as it calls into question whether people are being hired on the basis of their gender, rather than their talents or abilities.
We cannot let this silent violence advance, nor underestimate its effects because they are not evident in the physical body, but cause severe damage to women’s professional development and mental health. Therefore, we offer you some #tools of support and information for a comprehensive understanding of this issue:
- Did you know that misogyny means hatred, rejection, and contempt for women? It considers them inferior to men and only capable of human reproductive activities. This behavior remains unchanged in many societies and governs the politics of many countries.
- A sorority is a relationship of solidarity among women, especially through empowerment. In the United States, it also refers to a female student association with a school dormitory.
- Millions of women combine the roles of mothers, homemakers, and professional workers, and this burden is exhausting. Housework must be shared with the partner and, if not, access to domestic help, childcare or babysitting services, and all kinds of support from various sources, so that they can grow professionally and economically.
- In the state of Texas, there is a Law for Equality between Women and Men to know the rights and make them effective go to the website Women Law.
- Digital violence against women has grown exponentially, in the form of sexual harassment, inappropriate and uncomfortable comments, harmful humor also known as “micro machismo“, and publications of privacy without consent, which are perpetuated through electronic media. The most exposed to this harm are young women, between 18 and 40 years of age since most of them have access to these media.
- Ask for help, if you find yourself in a situation where the violence of any kind has reached you, contact these links and phone numbers.
At Del Pueblo Funeral Home, we close the month of March with the conviction to prevent any type of violence that puts women’s lives at risk and to give fair recognition to the contributions that correspond to their intelligence and above all to their human rights. Thus, we remind you that we make the most difficult moments easier.
