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Common examples of gender-based violence include:

Intimate partner abuse

This type of violence occurs in intimate relationships. It is also known as domestic abuse. Anyone can experience intimate partner abuse (IPA), but it disproportionately affects women. Gender inequity, sexist beliefs, and cultural practices that devalue women all increase the risk of IPA.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 27% of women worldwide have been physically or sexually assaulted by an intimate partner, and 38% of all murders of women are committed by their partners.

Female genital mutilation

This harmful practice involves removing parts of the female genitals, such as the clitoris and labia. People usually perform female genital mutilation (FGM) against the person’s will and in unsterile conditions. Often, this happens before the person has reached the age of 15.

FGM causes significant mental and physical trauma. It also carries a risk of infection, sexual health problems, and fertility problems, as well as birth complications if a person becomes pregnant. The WHO estimates that more than 200 million females alive today have undergone FGM.

Sexual assault

Sexual assault includes any unwanted, coerced, or forced sexual contact. Anyone can experience or commit sexual assault, but most survivors are female.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 women and 1 in 38 men experience attempted or completed rape during their lifetimes. Among trans people, the rate is just under 1 in 2.

Gender inequity

The long-term impact of widespread sexism is gender inequity. This refers to unfair and preventable differences between genders. Most research on this focuses on the inequities between men and women.

Gender inequity is present in:

The household

A 2018 study from Spain found that women in heterosexual relationships were involved in more than double the household chores that their male partners were. This is due to traditional gender roles and expectations.

When heterosexual couples freely choose these roles, it may not cause problems. However, the study found that women who did more household labor reported higher levels of family conflict.

The uneven distribution of household labor also contributes to economic inequity. A 2017 report states that one-fifth of women who live in poverty in Europe are not employed, due to their domestic and caregiving responsibilities.

Health and healthcare

Sexism negatively affects health and the healthcare system. Exposure to prejudice, discrimination, and higher levels of unpaid work can cause chronic stress, which contributes to mental and physical health conditions.

Lower wages also make it more difficult to access quality healthcare. And even when a person can access healthcare, sexism affects how doctors treat people.

For example, a 2017 studyTrusted Source notes that doctors regularly deny female patients birth control in order to coerce them into getting pap smears every year. This prevents females from making decisions about and having control over their own bodies.

The economy

The cumulative impact of sexism on the worldwide economy is huge. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, gender inequity is associated with:

• lower national incomes
• lower levels of productivity
• lower levels of education
• an artificially reduced talent pool

Gender equity would result in a better quality of life for women and other marginalized genders, as well as economic gains that benefit everyone.

Summary 

Sexism is prejudice or discrimination based on sex or gender. It is widespread globally, and it can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including their relationships, mental and physical health, life expectancy, and income.

Dismantling sexist institutions, laws, and practices is important for the health and empowerment of everyone, regardless of their sex or gender.