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As we commemorate these 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (GBV), it is important to reflect on all the violence that exists around the world. The theme of this year's campaign – Structures of Violence: Defining the Intersections of Militarism and Violence Against Women – aims to acknowledge the different ways societies permit GBV to exist and persist. So we must recognize that every day, women from all paths of life face violence in their homes or communities.

GBV takes many forms. For example, in Afghanistan many girls are disfigured after acid is thrown on them just because they went to school. There have also been countless stories of women in Afghanistan trying to leave their husbands due to domestic violence. If these women are found by their husbands or families, they are often exposed to severe abuse, which has even included the dismemberment of body parts.

In Pakistan, women who refuse marriage proposals are often attacked because the groom felt dishonored by the woman rejecting him. After marriage, many women are abused not only by their husbands and in-laws but also by people who should be protecting them, such as the police force. Violent acts against women have not decreased in India, either, especially the practice of so-called “honor” killings. “Honor” killings often occur when family members believe a relative, usually a woman, has dishonored them by refusing an arranged marriage, dressing inappropriately or having unsanctioned conversations. In Bangladesh, violence towards women is also increasing and may be due to the lack of a fair criminal justice system that provides justice to women in a society dominated by men.

Numerous African countries, meanwhile, continue practicing female genital mutilation, the partial or total removal of the outer part of the genitalia. In its worst form, the girl is left with only a tiny hole for intercourse and menstruation which often leads to extreme pain and infection.  Women are not given anesthesia during the operation, and midwives often have no formal training. The justifications used for this practice range from tradition to religion to the belief that it’s a method of controlling women’s sexuality or keeping them “pure.” According to USAID, 3 million girls are at risk of undergoing female circumcision each year in Africa.

Finally, in more developed countries, the problem of GBV is still very prevalent. According to Amnesty international, in the United States alone a woman is raped every six minutes. In Thailand rape and sexual abuse, usually committed by husbands or partners, are the most prevalent forms of violence against women.

Violence towards women in many countries has become part of the culture and tradition of society. But cultures and traditions change. It is important to continue to fight for women’s rights in these countries and draw attention to the issues in order for change to occur. We have to support the progress made to fight GBV as well as make the necessary changes to bring protection to women around the world. Only in this way will we be able to bring light to the practice of violence against women and stop it completely.

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This post is part of a series to promote the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women, which runs from the International Day to End Violence Against Women on November 25 to International Human Rights Day on December 10. During the campaign, groups from around the world join together to speak out against gender violence. Follow our blog to read stories from our advocates about RI’s work to increase women’s rights.