Mayaa SH is a staunch advocate for gender equality, viewing it as a fundamental human right and essential for societal progress. She actively promotes women's rights through her literary work, public speaking, and advocacy for policy changes. Her efforts aim to dismantle societal barriers that limit women's potential, emphasizing the importance of empowering women economically and socially. She believes that empowering women leads to stronger families, communities, and nations.
Mayaa SH is a distinguished author, empowerment culturist, and advocate for gender equality whose profound work has inspired millions across the globe. Known for her influential book Swayam, she champions the principles of self-belief, resilience, and personal growth, especially for women seeking to reclaim their strength and independence. Her writings beautifully weave together introspection, motivation, and the power of an exponential growth mindset — drawing inspiration from trailblazers who have redefined success.Beyond literature, Dr. Mayaa SH’s influence extends into social activism and mental health advocacy. A strong voice for women’s rights, she is widely recognized as a “Firebrand Feminist,” “Women Empowerment Culturist,” and “Gender-Based Violence Specialist.” Her unwavering efforts toward suicide prevention, countering depression, and raising awareness about mental well-being have earned her numerous national and international accolades.As a Legal Advisor on Matrimonial Law, Mayaa SH works tirelessly to guide individuals through emotional and legal challenges with empathy and expertise. Featured in prestigious publications such as Tejaswi – The Imperishable on Women Power and Honour, she continues to shape conversations on equality, justice, and self-worth, standing as one of India’s most impactful voices for empowerment and transformation.
Gender Based Violence (GBV) : Causes and Prevention
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) encompasses harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power, and harmful norms, affecting millions globally and manifesting in various forms, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse.Effective prevention of gender-based violence requires a multi-faceted approach addressing its root causes, promoting gender equality, and empowering individuals and communities. This involves a combination of legal frameworks, educational initiatives, community engagement, and support services for survivors.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue that affects individuals globally, with its prevalence significantly increasing during humanitarian emergencies . This violence encompasses harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender, rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power, and harmful norms. It includes, but is not limited to, sexual violence, physical violence, psychological violence, economic violence, and harmful traditional practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation .
Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world. It occurs in every country, across all segments of society. GBV entails any harm or threat of harm inflicted on a person because of male-female power imbalances entrenched within a society.Sexual violence, intimate partner violence, female genital mutilation, child marriage, sex trafficking and femicide are all forms of gender-based violence. GBV can be physical, sexual, mental or economic in nature.While gender-based violence is inflicted on men and boys too, it's women and girls who face the greatest threat. Nearly one in three has been subjected to sexual or intimate partner violence in her lifetime.
One of the primary drivers of GBV is gender inequality and patriarchal social structures. These structures often assign rigid gender roles, valuing masculinity over femininity and granting men greater power and control over women . This power imbalance can manifest in various forms, such as limited access to education and economic opportunities for women, discriminatory laws, and cultural practices that normalize violence against women . For instance, traditional beliefs that women are property or that men have the right to discipline their wives contribute significantly to the prevalence of domestic violence . Economic dependency also plays a crucial role, as women who lack financial independence may be trapped in abusive relationships due to fear of poverty or social ostracization .Societal norms and cultural practices also heavily influence the occurrence of GBV . Harmful stereotypes, such as the idea that men should be dominant and aggressive, and women submissive and passive, perpetuate a cycle of violence . The normalization of violence in media, pornography, and even everyday language can desensitize individuals and communities to its severity, making it more acceptable . Furthermore, a lack of effective legal frameworks and weak enforcement mechanisms contribute to impunity for perpetrators, further emboldening them and discouraging victims from seeking justice. In some contexts, conflict and humanitarian crises exacerbate GBV, as social structures break down, and violence becomes a tool of war or control.
The global reach of GBV is undeniable, impacting people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds across every continent. During humanitarian emergencies, such as conflicts, natural disasters, and pandemics, the risk and incidence of GBV escalate dramatically.
This surge is attributed to several factors inherent in emergency contexts, including the breakdown of social structures and rule of law, displacement, increased insecurity, economic hardship, and limited access to essential services and protection mechanisms . For instance, the disruption of community networks and support systems can leave individuals, particularly women and girls, more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. The lack of safe housing, sanitation, and lighting in displacement camps can also create environments conducive to sexual violence .Moreover, the stress and trauma associated with emergencies can exacerbate existing gender inequalities and lead to increased domestic violence.
Pre-existing gender inequalities are significantly amplified during humanitarian crises. Societies with deeply entrenched patriarchal norms and discriminatory practices are more prone to elevated rates of GBV during emergencies. These inequalities manifest in limited access to education, economic opportunities, and decision-making power for women and girls, making them more susceptible to violence and less able to protect themselves. The crisis environment often reinforces harmful gender stereotypes, where women are seen as dependents or commodities, further increasing their vulnerability. In conflict zones, GBV, particularly sexual violence, is frequently used as a deliberate tactic of war, aimed at terrorizing populations, destroying social cohesion, and asserting dominance. This weaponization of violence is a grave violation of human rights and has long-lasting physical and psychological consequences for survivors and their communities. The lack of safe and accessible reporting mechanisms, coupled with stigma and fear of reprisal, further exacerbates the problem, as many incidents go unreported and unaddressed.
One crucial aspect of prevention involves challenging harmful gender norms and stereotypes that perpetuate inequality and violence. This can be achieved through comprehensive education programs starting from an early age, promoting respectful relationships, consent, and challenging traditional masculinity and femininity that can lead to violence. Engaging men and boys in prevention efforts is also vital, as they play a critical role in dismantling patriarchal structures and advocating for gender equality. Furthermore, strengthening legal and policy frameworks to protect individuals from GBV, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and provide access to justice is essential. This includes enacting and enforcing laws against domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of GBV, as well as providing legal aid and support to survivors.
Economic empowerment of women and girls is another key preventative measure. When women have economic independence, they are less vulnerable to abusive relationships and have greater agency to leave violent situations. This can be achieved through initiatives that promote equal access to education, employment opportunities, financial literacy, and control over resources. Community-based interventions are also highly effective, involving local leaders, community groups, and civil society organizations in raising awareness, providing support services, and fostering a culture of non-violence.These interventions can include bystander intervention programs, community watch initiatives, and safe spaces for survivors. Finally, providing accessible and comprehensive support services for survivors, including medical care, psychological counseling, legal assistance, and safe housing, is crucial not only for recovery but also as a preventative measure by demonstrating that violence will not be tolerated and that support is available.
The long-term effects of GBV on women's mental health are profound and multifaceted, often leading to chronic and debilitating conditions. These effects can manifest across various domains of mental well-being, impacting emotional regulation, cognitive function, and social interactions . Studies consistently show a strong correlation between experiences of GBV and increased rates of mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse . The pervasive nature of GBV means that its impact can extend far beyond the immediate experience of violence, shaping a woman's mental landscape for years, if not a lifetime.
About Mayaa SH
Mayaa SH is a prolific writer, having authored over fourteen solo books and co-authored more than two hundred anthologies. Her literary journey began with her first poem, "The Candle In The Wind," which received a national award.Her writings often delve into sensitive topics such as feminism, gender equality, the transgender community, and mental health awareness, aiming to challenge societal norms and provide solutions to social problems. She has been recognized as one of the "Modern Literary Stars of India" in 2022 by the Cherry Book Awards and holds multiple world records for her literary achievements.A significant aspect of her literary work is its focus on empowering women and instilling self-belief. Her self help books are designed to provide hope, guidance, and practical strategies for individuals, particularly survivors of trauma and abuse, to regain self-confidence and overcome adversity. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the cycle of abuse and encourages survivors to "Rise and Shine Like A Star Again". Her self help books like, "Khushnoor: Travelling Beyond Boundaries," further aims to inspire readers to recognize their inner strength and cultivate a positive mindset.Her advocacy extends to challenging patriarchal norms and promoting a society where women have equal rights and opportunities. She highlights issues such as gender bias in education, the gender pay gap, limited access to healthcare, child marriage, and gender-based violence. Mayaa SH also advocates for legal reforms, including revisiting matrimonial laws in India and pushing for the criminalization of marital rape, while promoting legal awareness among women. She emphasizes that feminism is about gender equality and not a campaign against men, striving to create a compassionate and equitable society.Mayaa SH is a recognized suicide prevention expert and a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness. Mayaa SH highlights the profound impact of gender-based violence on women's mental health, noting that survivors are at a significantly higher risk of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. She uses conversation as a therapeutic medium to help individuals navigate stress and anxiety, fostering supportive environments where feelings can be expressed without judgment. She addresses depression and suicide prevention, encouraging individuals to embrace their unique qualities.Beyond domestic violence, Mayaa SH champions the cause of acid attack survivors, particularly in India. Her approach combines advocacy, legal reform, and direct support, focusing on empowering these survivors to regain confidence and reintegrate into society through medical assistance, psychological counseling, and vocational training. She also addresses the root causes of acid attacks, often linked to gender-based violence and societal pressures.Mayaa SH integrates cultural wisdom into mental health care, drawing upon philosophical texts like the Bhagavad Gita to promote resilience and self-improvement. She emphasizes the transformative power of self-belief and dignity, particularly for women and marginalized communities, and challenges the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Her work aligns with global frameworks such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the importance of women's education, health, identity, economic independence, and social freedom. Her influence extends beyond literature, positioning her as a "Literary Empowerment Campaigner" and a "Social Activist" who has shattered glass ceilings to champion gender equality and neutrality. She is often referred to as a "Messenger For All Women" due to her relentless advocacy for women's rights, empowerment, and social justice. Mayaa SH's dedication has garnered numerous national and international accolades, solidifying her status as a transformative figure in contemporary Indian literature and social reform.
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