Domestic violence against women is one of the most brutal consequences of the economic, social, political, and cultural inequalities that exist between the sexes. Yet strong concerns voiced by development agencies and policy-makers have emerged only in relatively recent years. There is no mention of the subject in CEDAW, apart from a brief reference to human trafficking. In launching his new 2008 campaign, UNite to End Violence Against Women, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon observed that “at least one out of every three women is likely to be beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime”.

Gender violence protest, Indonesia © Jane McGrory

Whilst rich countries are by no means free of violence against women, the problems - which range from domestic violence to honour killings - are perceived to be more serious in developing countries. Attitudes in society need to change so that women can be more forthcoming in disclosing their problems. Legislation also has a part to play as in the Domestic Violence Bill in India which came into force in 2006.

Legislation is also gradually being introduced in African countries where deep-rooted tradition accounts for the widespread practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) - endangering perhaps as many as 3 million girls each year. Trafficking of women for sex and other services is illegal but authorities are struggling to keep up with the combination of crime syndicates and poverty which drive the trade.

Women suffer terribly in war zones, especially those wars in which the world's media take only token interest. The incidence of rape in Darfur, Congo, Northern Uganda and Sierra Leone may never be known, let alone carry any hope of accountability.

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