Global Efforts Intensify Against Gender-Based Violence

A recent workshop in Panjim, India, led by Dr. Pinky Anand, focused on enhancing forensic practices in the investigation of gender-based crimes, emphasizing a collaborative approach among police, judiciary, and medical professionals to improve judicial outcomes for victims. In Kenya, government officials declared gender-based violence the country's foremost security threat, revealing alarming statistics of 7,107 reported cases since September 2023 and establishing a specialized unit to combat femicides. The World Health Organization is updating its 2013 guidelines on responding to intimate partner and sexual violence, responding to new evidence and practices in the field. Meanwhile, a workshop in Türkiye aimed to develop a communications strategy to combat violence against women, stressing the importance of early education in addressing gender norms. Experts from the University of Manchester argue for a shift in preventing violence against women by understanding the backgrounds of perpetrators and focusing on early intervention. Collectively, these initiatives highlight a global commitment to tackling the pervasive issue of gender-based violence through multidisciplinary strategies and community engagement.