Violence and women's health in Africa

Abstract

Violence against women is a global issue. It is the most pervasive and least recognized human rights violation which cuts across culture, religion, wealth, age, and status and has profound health implications, depleting women's energy; compromising their physical, mental, and reproductive health; and eroding their self-esteem. Women who are violated suffer physically, their mental health is compromised, they experience all forms of injuries and are prone to substance abuse and depression, and exposure over a long period to violence may eventually lead to death. This chapter explicates the nature of violence affecting women in Africa, foregrounding the gender inequalities embedded in society which place women in subordinate social relationships that make them more vulnerable to violence, and increases their suffering from it. The study considers the nature of the impact of violence on women's health across the continent and the possible measures for addressing this pervading menace against women's enjoyment of their full and complete human rights.