patriarchy

Gender-Based Violence: An Enduring Millennial Epidemic

International day for the elimination of violence against women


Gender-based violence is not just a social issue – it is a global, enduring millennial epidemic. As we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we confront an unsettling reality: the numbers are not receding – they are growing.

Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed.

The United Nations starkly outlines this crisis:

“Violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world. Globally, almost one in three women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their life. For at least 51,100 women in 2023, the cycle of gender-based violence ended with one final and brutal act—their murder by partners and family members. That means a woman was killed every 10 minutes.”

So, this sobering reality spans across all societies and regions. The scourge of violence is not confined to the home; it has infiltrated workplaces, online spaces, and communities, exacerbated by conflicts, economic insecurity, and even climate change.

Femicide: the extreme manifestation of gender violence


“Femicide” is the term used to describe gender-related killings of women and girls. So, the most extreme manifestation of gender-based violence. The 2023 statistics are staggering:
1- 140 women and girls were killed daily, on average, by someone within their family.
2- Africa was the region with the largest absolute number of killings and with the highest level of violence relative to the size of its female population.
3- Unlike male homicides, often occurring in public spaces, the home remains the most dangerous place for women.

Therefore, this chilling reality underscores a devastating truth: for women and girls, safety is not a given – even in the spaces that should nurture them most.

Gender-based violence: Italy & the “good guy” illusion


In Italy, the murders of Giulia Cecchettin and Giulia Tramontano shattered a dangerous myth: that women are most at risk from strangers, lurking predators, or “monsters” we can easily identify. Instead, the threat often comes from someone far more familiar: the so-called “good guy.”

Giulia Cecchettin’s femicide laid bare the grim truth that partners, not strangers, are often the perpetrators of violence against women. Similarly, the case of Giulia Tramontano, seven months pregnant, poisoned with rodenticide and then murdered by her boyfriend, sent shockwaves through the nation. Today, Milano court sentenced her murderer to life imprisonment, but justice for one does not erase the systemic violence that continues to claim so many lives.

These cases force us to confront an uncomfortable reality: the perpetrator is rarely the deranged figure we imagine. He is ordinary – hidden in plain sight. Specifcally, a culture that normalizes control, entitlement, and violence shapes him.

Changing culture: the long road ahead


The pervasive nature of femicide challenges us to rethink our approach. The rapist or abuser is rarely the deranged figure we imagine. In fact, a culture of entitlement and patriarchy shape him into a man. This is a cultural problem, deeply rooted and insidious.

While education against discrimination from an early age is essential, it is not enough. Tackling gender-based violence requires a collective effort to build a culture of consent, equality, and respect. This cultural shift must begin with families and schools, laying the groundwork for future generations.

A call to action: dismantle patriarchy


As we observe this day, let it not be a moment of passive reflection but a call to action. We must confront the structures and attitudes that perpetuate violence against women. This fight requires more than legislation. It demands a shared commitment to dismantle patriarchy, educate with intention, and foster a culture where no woman fears for her life in the spaces she calls home.

The numbers are more than statistics – they are lives lost, stories cut short. And they demand our unwavering attention.

#noexcuse

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Levi’s Commercial and Contemporary Feminism

Women, are we really progressing?


Levi’s latest commercial prompts reflection on contemporary feminism. In it, Beyoncé walks into a laundromat, strips off her jeans, and tosses them into a machine, remaining in a white culotte before sitting down to read a newspaper. This strange flashback raises questions about how commercial narratives align with modern feminist ideals and the broader cultural discourse on gender equality.

1985: Levi’s and the iconic spot


For those who grew up in the ’80s, this scene instantly brings to mind another iconic Levi’s commercial from 1985. Do you remember it? Set to Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” a strikingly handsome boy with dark, Elvis-like features walks into a laundromat. He calmly strips off his Levi’s 501 jeans and T-shirt, staying in nothing but his boxers, and reads a newspaper, unfazed by the people around him.

1985 Levi’s 501 commercial – Nick Kamen

This commercial didn’t just sell jeans; it catapulted the model, Nick Kamen, into the spotlight. He caught the eye of Madonna, who produced his 1986 single, “Each Time You Break My Heart.” The song became a hit. Tragically, on May 4th, 2021, Nick Kamen passed away at 59 after battling a long illness, leaving behind a legacy tied to an era of advertising that shaped cultural perceptions.

However, 1985 was Nick Kamen’s year. But that Levi’s commercial became iconic because it subverted expectations.Instead of the tired stereotype of a woman undressing, we finally saw a man. And what a man! Now, fast forward to 2024, and what do we see? Once again, the same old stereotype: women stripping off their clothes. Some evolution, right?

The new commercial and modern feminism


Apparently, Levi’s latest commercial embodies the contemporary version of feminism: a vision where naked women symbolize freedom, liberation, and empowerment. But is this really progress? Women’s portrayal feels more stereotyped than ever. When it comes to dressing – or undressing – this so-called freedom seems suspiciously aligned with what pleases the male gaze.

So, what are we really talking about here? Liberation and empowerment? Or is something more insidious at play? Does a woman’s worth still hinge on her nudity? Or are we still boxed in by cages of hair, makeup, plastic faces, and impossible body standards? If so, it hardly feels new. It’s the same old story, revealing more about patriarchy than it does about fashion or modern feminism.

Yet, the reality is so cleverly manipulated that we’ve been convinced this is about women’s power. But is it?

In fact, contemporary feminism, as reflected in the latest Levi’s commercial, offers little that’s new or empowering for women. Instead, it’s a step backwards. Perhaps we should revisit the ’80s, when it was a sexy man, not a woman, taking off his jeans.


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Violence Against Women

A victim shares her story of abuse with us


Violence against women is gender-based violence, either physical, sexual or psychological. But economical too. In fact, it is a form of abuse very present in modern society in which patriarchy prevails.

Italy mourns the death of 22-year-old Giulia Cecchettin, found stabbed and wrapped in plastic on the 18th of November, 2023. She had been staying with ex-boyfriend Filippo Turetta at the time. And he had been on the run since November 11 when security cameras got him fighting with Giulia on tape. Now, he’s been picked up by police in Germany.

With the necessary rise in awareness of gender-based discrimination and in honour of the 25th of November – the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women, we are taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the prevalence of these violating acts by telling one from an anonymous victim.

An ordinary report of abuse


22 November, 2023- 9:22, morning
The sky was overcast, and the tram screeched on the tracks, forcing her to push her headphones closer to her ears to block out the sound. Stepping into the sea of people, she took a deep breath, finding a small space for her to stand by the door. It wasn’t unusual that the public transit was this crowded in the morning. But the stress from days prior had really taken a toll on her. She hadn’t gotten much sleep the night before, and the previous day, she had experienced a panic attack from overwork and stress. So it was safe to say that she didn’t think anything else could go wrong.

The ride was smooth for a while, people bumping into one another as the tram car took sharp turns. As the tram halted at its next stop, more people crowded in behind her, packing the tram so unbelievably full that it didn’t seem possible for the vehicle to keep moving. With a shove to her back, she found herself pushed against the wall of the tram. Even if she tried to move, it was useless. It was then that she felt the breath of someone behind her, a little too close, even in the crowded car.

With the shoving and moving of the sea of people, she felt a hand slip to the upper part of her leg, just under her rear end. No, she was not going to deal with this today. The hand searched, groping and feeling, sending the woman into a frenzied panic. Still stressed from the days before, she screamed, but to no avail. People couldn’t move. It was too tightly packed, and it’s not like anyone else could see what was happening. The tram slammed its brakes to a stop, and the person behind shoved her into the opening doors, sending her body flying toward the wall, smashing her arm between her own body and the sharp corner by the door opening.

Stop gender-based violence


As horrifying as this incident may be to hear about, this is an occurrence that is all too common. Men consistently harass women this way, especially on public transportation. Here it is easier for harassers to victimize others since the space is small, tightly packed, and sealed.

When speaking to other women about this issue, the common theme between all of them was empathy, sadness, and the common phrase ‘I can relate.

What kind of world are we living in when such a tragedy is commonplace? Enough that the majority of women can relate?

This story is only one of thousands, millions. Women from all over have stories of situations just like this, harassed just because of their gender. Despite the progress made as women in the hierarchy of society, we must keep pushing forward, this is unfair. Violence against women needs to stop!

#NOEXCUSE

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New Beauty Standards In China

Empowering women vs societal expectations


Whether for feminism or practical reasons, women are redefining beauty standards in China. By challenging the traditional ideal of femininity, some young Chinese women want to be free to express their individuality. And we couldn’t be more proud of such a brave choice.

Women, buzz cut & beauty duty


Patriarchal society shaped the rules which subdued women over time. Long hair has always represented the image women have to conform to, not only in China. However, a new trend reports a step towards empowering women against societal expectations. Specifically, Chinese women started breaking the rule by switching the classic haircut with a bold buzz cut.

The buzz cut is easier to manage, low-maintenance and high-impact. It is not just a matter of fashion, it goes beyond that. Indeed, it represents a powerful statement: freedom and self-determination. The buzzcut is a synonym for self-confidence and independence. And so the trend is rising in China, and more women are opting for it.

Along with it, another trend is growing: “embrace beauty without makeup.” It’s a way to defy the “beauty duty” that forces women to maintain their appearance, imprisoning them in oppressive standards.

Beauty standards: western vs Chinese


We live in a man’s world. By analysing historical and cultural context, we can see that beauty standards are the embodiment of a male perspective and a market demand. In fact, everywhere in the world, society brainwashes women to conform to a specific image. And to stick to those precise features that women – of course – believe are the fruit of their personal reasoning or independent thought. On the Western side of the world, we witness this distorted idea of feminism: women conform to contemporary stereotypes that (just by chance?) perfectly reflect a man’s viewpoint. And women call it freedom!

So, what happens in China surprises us positively. In a society where social norms and traditions are so deeply rooted, Chinese women’s choice against “beauty duty” represents a brave move.

Indeed, by rejecting traditional ideas of feminine beauty, new beauty standards in China are an inspiration to nonconformism and women’s empowerment. Most importantly, it should make us reflect on what beauty standards really hide.

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Uncompromising, Sinéad O’Connor

The sad post-mortem recognition as a feminist icon


The passing of Sinéad O’Connor, uncompromising woman and beautiful soul, left us speechless. Not to mention celebrities’ tributes posted on the web.

Modern society, which is basically (and sadly) a big market, is not the place for uncompromising women. A rebellious attitude does not play well with patriarchy and market requests. What sells, marketing, and who sells more – are the only things that count in a money-driven society. In this context, even the female aesthetic is strictly linked to what sells. In fact, there are specific norms, rules or standards to which every woman needs to conform in order to be accepted.

Inimitable talent and uncompromising style


Around the end of the 80s, we saw a face of rare beauty with a bald head and a voice of unique intensity, and we fell in love with her. When interviewed, Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor revealed that the music industry expected her to conform to a certain image, urging her to have long hair and wear revealing clothes. Instead, she showed up bald and in combat boots.

Her shaved head became a trademark, a symbol of protest against traditional views of femininity. Although she tried to hide her beauty, the result was exactly the opposite. Indeed, very few women can cut their hair that way and still look so very beautiful!

Conformism & contemporary feminism


If a woman wants to be considered beautiful or accepted as an artist, or whatever she wants to do in her life, the standards are long hair and tight-fitting clothes. So we have some problems understanding the contemporary idea of feminism. For instance, look at all the celebrities who call themselves feminists; celebrated by the mainstream culture, they look as the system wants them to be, calling it freedom of expression. Is that real feminism? We don’t think so. For sure, hitting the number one charts thanks to an immense voice and a clean face and piercing eyes, was different. So, follow what the system wants, conform if you feel ok, but don’t call it feminism.

We have always searched for news from her social media accounts because we appreciated her outspoken personality, anti-establishment position and political activism. Most celebrities, though having platforms, do not say a word on crucial matters.
In fact, she was so brave to speak in support of child abuse, human rights, women’s rights, and against wars and racism. Most importantly, being a victim of abuse, she showed her vulnerability by disclosing her struggles with mental health and fibromyalgia. But she got hate and disregard in return.

On July 26, the uncompromising Sinéad O’Connor was found dead. And, all of a sudden, she becomes a feminist icon, understood only after her death. Insulted when alive, celebrated after death!

One comment really made sense:

“You praise her now ONLY because it is too late. You hadn’t the guts to support her when she was alive and she was looking for you.”

Morrissey

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