Traditional gender role: A predictor of sexual violence against women

Abstract

India is a country with a dynamic past and a rapidly changing present, wherein its culture remains a charming fusion that reflects its depth, complexity, and resilience. Gender equality and women's empowerment are among the fastest refining domains in the country as well. Despite significant strides in gender equality in many of the sectors, there is an increase in the number of sexual violence against women across the country. As per statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau, an average of 86 cases are reported every single day in the country, which is quite an alarming number. Also, World Health Organization reports reveal that 30% of women have been subjected to either intimate-partner violence or nonpartner sexual violence in their lifetime. This depicts the hard reality of inequality women still face across the world. Studies reveal the fact that women still outnumber males in being the victims of sexual violence. In this review article, the focus is on analyzing how traditional gender-role attitudes act as a predictor in the augmentation of sexual violence towards women. The researcher also attempts to put forward a few ways to reduce gender-based violence that is attributed to traditional gender roles.