ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we have seen how sexual harassment, rape, partner abuse, child sexual abuse, pornography, prostitution, anti-gay violence, female infanticide, female genital mutilation, and elder abuse can be usefully viewed as gendered forms of violence or exploitation. Although there are many potential causes of each of these problems, we locate the root cause of the oppression of girls and women in their relative lack of power, status, and resources in most societies. This chapter addressed central questions of how gender inequality creates personal and social contexts conducive to exploitation of, and violence against, women and girls. As we argued, the threat, fear, and reality of violence and exploitation change girls’ and women’s lives in countless ways, limiting their choices, opportunities, and possibilities.
Over the past 30 years, women throughout the world have joined in collective action against violence and exploitation. These actions range widely from the formation of consciousness-raising groups about domestic violence to public speak-outs against forms of oppression. Women have established educational programs for thousands of law enforcement and health professionals. There are now thousands of organizations providing services around the country to women who have been raped or beaten by their partners. Neighborhood groups have formed networks of refuges, called safe houses or greenlight programs, wherein women attacked in the streets can find safety. Women have worked for legal reforms on many fronts, including changes in rape laws that make it easier for women to report crimes and obtain convictions. These efforts have been extraordinarily successful. But our analysis suggests that deeper societal changes are needed. As long as females are devalued in society relative to men, they will be victims of violence and exploitation by men.
