Gender-based violence is a structural phenomenon, rooted in the power inequalities that run through our society. It is not limited to extreme acts, but encompasses every form of control, devaluation, and oppression exercised based on a person’s gender, identity, or sexual orientation. It can manifest in various ways—physical, psychological, sexual, economic, symbolic—and is fueled by stereotypes, language, and practices that normalize abuse and exclusion.
In this issue, we explore the cultural and social roots of gender-based violence and its multiple expressions, from the workplace to everyday relationships, from education—especially in economic matters—to the media, as well as corporate policies and collective responsibilities. We share experiences, research, and initiatives that propose possible alternatives: new forms of awareness, alliances, and practices of care and justice.
Preventing gender-based violence allows us to rethink power structures, redefine relationships, and build spaces of shared freedom where every person—and especially every woman—can feel safe, recognized, and respected.