The global campaign of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, which began on the 25th November, serves as a critical reminder of the deep gender inequalities that perpetuate violence against women worldwide. The tragic death of Nicholette Ghirxi earlier this year is yet another grim reminder of the persistent scourge of violence against women rooted in gender inequality.
While conversations about how we can put an end to femicide continue, it is crucial to recognise the deep connection between gender inequality and this pervasive violence, a relationship that still remains largely unaddressed.
Violence against women is not simply a consequence of personal disputes or unstable relationships, it is a symptom of systemic gender inequality and patriarchal structures that continue to place women at a disadvantage. This power imbalance fosters environments where violence and control are normalised. The femicides of Nicholette Ghirxi, Sandra Ramirez, and Bernice Cassar are stark reminders that gender-based violence is a manifestation of structural discrimination that devalues women's rights and dignity.
The Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) makes this link unequivocally clear. It specifies that discrimination against women includes gender-based violence, defined as "violence which is directed against a woman because she is a woman or that affects women disproportionately". This definition underscores that such violence is rooted in the very dynamics of gender discrimination and the deeply ingrained societal norms that continue to perpetuate these acts of violence.
Similarly, the Istanbul Convention, which Malta ratified in 2014 and which was integrated in Maltese legislation in 2018, highlights the historical inequalities that have placed women in a vulnerable position. It states that "violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between women and men." In workplaces, homes, and communities; gender-based violence continues to serve as a method of control, one that relies on the belief that women are inherently inferior and thus subordinate to men.
Femicide is a reality not only in Malta but also in many European countries, Many stem from intimate partner violence. According to data from the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), 82% of intimate partner violence victims in the EU are women and girls, while only 18% are men and boys. These statistics reveal a stark reality: while men can and do suffer from intimate partner violence, it is predominantly women who bear the brunt of this aggression.
This is why discussions about gender-based violence largely focus on women - not because male victims are any less significant, but because the systemic oppression that drives this violence is rooted in centuries of patriarchy. This imbalance is deeply embedded in cultures worldwide and has led to the normalisation of male dominance and entitlement over women's lives. While it is important to acknowledge all victims of intimate partner violence, the disproportionate impact on women cannot be ignored.
Indeed, what is needed now is not just outrage but a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of this violence. Gender inequality must be tackled at every level. While the introduction of the femicide law in Malta was a significant step in the right direction, more work needs to carried out to address the underlying structures that make such violence possible in the first place.
Gender inequality is cultivated through various channels such as harmful gender stereotypes, unequal economic opportunities, and imbalances in decision-making positions. These inequalities create the conditions under which gender-based violence thrives.
Only by addressing these root causes can we prevent future tragedies and create a society where every individual is valued equally and lives free from violence. The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) remains committed to continuing its efforts to challenge the societal norms and structures enabling such violence.
The NCPE recognises that education is a powerful tool for social change and for promoting gender equality. Training on gender equality has been delivered to the education sector, including teachers in private schools, students in public schools, officials from the Ministry of Education, as well as Career Guidance teachers and Career Advisors. Besides, the NCPE is also working to strengthen efforts to provide targeted training sessions on gender stereotypes and gender roles for all teaching staff at pre-primary education level and PSCD teachers in all Maltese state, church, and private schools.
Nicholette Ghirxi's death, like those of many other women, is not just a personal tragedy; it is a societal failure. As we observe the 16 Days of Activism, we are called to turn our grief and anger into sustained action that challenges the power dynamics at the heart of gender inequality. The need for a proactive approach by all stakeholders to combat gender inequality is more urgent than ever. Only by addressing this imbalance can we hope to end the cycle of violence that remains deeply entrenched in our society.
The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) can be contacted on: 2276 8200, [email protected] or NCPE's social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter - NCPE.Malta)
Renee Laiviera is the Commissioner at the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality.