International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Gender-based violence is a pressing issue that affects us all, deeply impacting society. The need to address it through dialogue and action is especially clear on key dates, such as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. During these times, numerous proposals, conferences, and activities emerge to promote reflection and awareness. However, not all of these initiatives effectively contribute to preventing or eradicating gender-based violence; some may even contradict scientific evidence and perpetuate harmful practices.
For this reason, here we offer key considerations to help you choose initiatives that truly promote change and social impact and prevent gender-based violence, including isolating gender violence, which harms those who support victims and speak out against abuse.
Two Key Criteria to Evaluate Talks, Events, and Initiatives on Gender-Based Violence:
1.Relying on Scientific Evidence of Social Impact.
Ensure that the proposals are grounded in solid scientific evidence, particularly research that has been proven to improve social realities. This means evidence that the public perceives as impactful because it is based on co-creation and addresses the specific problems faced by a particular group, incorporating their voices directly.
Today, this evidence is more accessible than ever, not just in journals like Nature, The Lancet, Science, or Violence Against Women but also through citizen platforms and scientific dissemination media. These tools allow you to cross-check information and identify misinformation. If a proposal contradicts this evidence, it may indicate a lack of alignment with scientific findings.
A useful approach is to examine their academic track record, as those who excel scientifically in gender-based violence research are expected to demonstrate coherence in their personal actions as well. For instance, you can search Google Scholar to identify leaders in “gender violence” research. This will give you an indication of whether the speaker’s work aligns with their public stance and whether they are genuinely contributing to the field.
2. Consistency Between Scientific and Personal Excellence of the Speaker
It’s not enough to focus on the positions or titles held by the individuals leading these activities. It is essential to evaluate their track record and genuine commitment to the issue. At times, you may encounter cases where individuals giving talks on gender-based violence have acted in ways that contradict their message, such as silencing victims or ignoring calls for help. It is equally important to demand that anyone educating or training others on this issue has consistently supported the victims and taken a clear stand in their favor.
Gender-based violence is a complex issue that requires solutions rooted in science, ethics, and co-creation. By choosing to support initiatives with real social impact, you can play a crucial role in building a more just and violence-free society.
(Photo by Sincerely Media from Unsplash)
Predoctoral Researcher in Training (FPI - Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities) at the Department of Sociology in the University of Barcelona.