Violence against women is a form of discrimination and a violation of human rights. It causes untold misery, cuts short lives and results in countless women living in pain and fear in every country in the world. Violence against women harms families across generations, impoverishes communities and reinforces other forms of violence throughout societies, because violence stops women from fulfilling their potential which in turn restricts economic growth and undermines development.

Although there has been considerable progress in creating international frameworks and covenants for ending violence against women, new forms of violence have emerged and, in many countries, advances made towards equality and freedom from violence, have unfortunately been eroded or are under serious threat. In reality, there is an upsurge of violence against women and girls, cutting across all socio-economic groups, education levels and regions. The continued prevalence of violence against women proves this critical issue has to be tackled with political commitment, visibility and resources.

Asia region is no exception to this phenomenon. While progress and modernization is evident everywhere across the region, this kind of progress is unacceptable if 50 percent of the population – women and girls- continue to live under constant fear and terror of violence. Forms of violence often take up inhuman and intolerable dimensions ranging from kicking, beating, burning, maiming, being kept locked without food for days, sexual assaults, harassment, trafficking, to being abused and gang-raped. The indescribable pain and suffering not only harms them physically and psychologically, it fractures families and communities, prevents women from exercising their rights, compromises their health, and restricts them from becoming fully productive and realizing their full social and economic potential. Studies reveal that the social and economic costs of violence against women are enormous, as it reduces human capital, decreases productivity and slows down poverty reduction.

As more and more Asian women become victims of violence and conflicts, they form the majority of civilian deaths; the majority of refugees; and are often the victims of cruel and degrading practices, including sexual-abuse. Women’s security is also threatened by unequal access to resources, services and opportunities. Harmful customary practices, such as honor killing, burning brides and widows, and child marriage are still in existence because of women’s vulnerability in economic independence and security. Support and protection of women and girl children caught up in war torn and conflict ridden areas is also an issue that has to be seriously addressed. Sri Lanka itself has about 85,000 war widows, and children who are either permanently or temporarily disabled. Rape and cruelty towards women and children, as weapons of war are added atrocities to the long list of forms of violence against women. Although the United Nations Security Council has passed resolutions on Women Peace and Security which recognize and address the experiences of women and girls in conflict and post conflict situations, Asian countries have not been paying serious attention to such initiatives.

Religion also plays a significant role in determining the status of women. Religion is both an institutional and private reality and therefore religious teachings and affiliations have a significant influence on women, their status in the community and how they are treated by society. Religious communities and institutions convey values and belief systems to their members through texts, traditions, teachings, doctrines and counselling. These beliefs can be comforting while in trouble, and at the same time can also be misused or misinterpreted to excuse or condone abusive behavior.

The scope and extent of violence against women are a reflection of the degree and persistence of discrimination that women continue to face. Therefore, violence can only be eliminated by addressing discrimination, promoting women’s equality and empowerment, and ensuring that women’s human rights are fulfilled.

The upsurge in violence with impunity is deeply rooted in religious, cultural and social constructs that are roadblocks in the campaign for elimination of violence against women. In these circumstances it is the task of both religious and secular leaders, to recognize that the very same roadblocks can be used as resources for victims of violence. Women should be able to access the resources of community based advocacy and shelter and the support and counsel of faith based communities.

It is in this context that the Asian Churches are called on to respond to the appalling status of women; to analyze theologically and deeply the Christian understanding of violence and to actively engage in ecumenical advocacy networking for elimination of discrimination and violence in all forms.

The CCA has been actively involved in upholding the rights and dignity of women, especially rights of indigenous women and migrant workers.  In the coming years, CCA will address these issues through the “Ecumenical Women’s Action Against Violence (EWAAV)” program. CCA will also have capacity building programs on Conflict Resolution, Peace building and Awareness building of International instruments and agreements that hold their Governments duty bound to safeguard and protect women from violence and human rights abuse.