1. VAW and Commitments
The signing of international treaties on women’s rights has, in most contexts, done little for eliminating violence against women.
It is an important achievement that all Monitor-assessed countries have signed, ratified or acceded the Convention of the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Countries like Germany and Bosnia and Herzegovina have ratified the Istanbul Convention (2011); Ghana and South Africa (although the latter with reservations) have ratified the Maputo Protocol (1995); and Colombia, Bolivia and Mexico have ratified the Belém do Pará Convention (1994) – all instruments seeking to combat the rising epidemic of violence against women. However, even when countries sign onto declarations, conventions and protocols, and adapt them into national law, they have not fully embraced and implemented them. This gap needs to be addressed.
The Global Pluralism Monitor highlights the interplay between institutions and societal mindsets, showing how they shape a country’s pluralism. Reports reveal that despite treaties to eliminate violence against women (VAW), misogynistic cultures and patriarchal values persist. Effective treaty implementation must address both structural barriers and the mindsets that normalize VAW.
Explore the other trends:
2. VAW and Social Norms
Patriarchal values and cultures of misogyny are some of the main contributors to violence against women.
3. Violence against Women in Politics
Equal participation of women in government has not resulted in reduced VAW and even translate into rising targeting of women in politics.
4. Violence Against Indigenous Women
Where there are Indigenous peoples, violence against Indigenous women is widespread and seldom addressed.
5. Media and VAW
The media can play an important role in how mindsets regarding VAW are shaped and should report these cases more responsibly.