A new book by Professor Ruth Itzhaki, a leading neurovirologist, reveals the harsh realities faced by millions of women and girls across South Asia, the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa. After 15 years of research, the book highlights how many women are treated as property rather than human beings, enduring extreme violence, sexual assaults, and culturally sanctioned killings.
Published by World Scientific, the book draws from authoritative sources including the United Nations and the World Health Organization, presenting a troubling picture of women’s rights in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). It emphasizes that abuses are widespread but often underreported, with public opinion in some regions tolerating or condoning such crimes.
Insights from the Field
Professor Itzhaki was motivated to focus on global women’s rights after witnessing the horrific circumstances faced by Dalit women in India through a documentary, where they were forced to remove human waste manually. She underscores the systemic nature of violence against women, stating, “For millions of women and girls, their value is frequently measured solely by their ability to produce sons.” This societal pressure often results in repeated pregnancies, regardless of age or health.
The book further details that an innocent interaction with a man can lead to severe punishment, with family honor sometimes resulting in violent retribution. In some regions, girls can be married before they reach adolescence, and many face restrictions on their education or are banned entirely from attending school. The plight of widows is also addressed, highlighting their vulnerability to accusations of witchcraft, dispossession, and social ostracism.
A Call to Action
In addition to documenting these injustices, Professor Itzhaki provides practical guidance for individuals and communities to combat gender-based violence and discrimination. She emphasizes the need to support organizations that protect survivors, advocate for equal rights, and work to eradicate violence against women.
The book encourages parents and educators to cultivate an understanding of equality, respect, and human rights among children. It calls for open conversations that help young people reject rigid gender expectations.
“I hope this book will inspire readers to take action, advocate for justice, and support initiatives that empower women through education, healthcare, and economic opportunity,” Professor Itzhaki remarked. She stresses the urgency of raising public awareness, noting that silence enables these injustices to persist.
With its release particularly relevant on International Women’s Day, this book aims to correct the imbalance in public knowledge surrounding the systemic abuses affecting vast numbers of girls and women simply because of their sex. Professor Itzhaki’s work is a vital contribution to the ongoing struggle for gender equality and human rights.
