Burns and Brutality: The Gendered Reality of Violence Against Women
Around every ten minutes, somewhere in the world, a woman is killed as a result of violence. This staggering figure is not just a statistic—it is a chilling reminder of the pervasive and persistent assault on women’s rights and dignity. Violence against women (VAW) is the most widespread human rights breach globally, touching nearly every community and affecting one in three women in their lifetimes.
Yet amidst this global crisis, some forms of violence remain shrouded in silence, rarely making headlines, sparking research, or stirring public outrage. Burn-related gender-based violence is one such issue—hidden, horrifying, and heartbreakingly common.
Intentional burns, including acid attacks, are a devastating weapon of control and punishment, used overwhelmingly against women.
An estimated 10,000 acid attacks are reported annually, with women making up 80% of victims. The true number is likely far higher, as nearly 40% of cases go unreported. These acts are not isolated incidents—they are rooted in a deep, systemic devaluation of women’s lives and autonomy.
Earlier this year, this issue took centre stage at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. During a session titled “Girls on Fire: The Gendered Outcomes of Burn Injuries,” experts painted a grim picture of the prevalence and impact of burn violence. Survivors often endure more than physical scars. They face stigma, isolation, and economic hardship, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare systems are ill-equipped to provide the necessary surgical and rehabilitative care, as reported by the World Health Organization.
Burn violence is not just an individual tragedy but a societal failure, a grim reflection of entrenched gender inequality and socio-economic disparity. Women and girls living in poverty are at higher risk, and these risks are compounded during humanitarian crises, in conflict zones, and in displaced communities.
As the world works toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, it is impossible to ignore how closely these align with addressing violence against women. Burn violence cuts across several key objectives. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being calls for quality healthcare access, which includes surgical and rehabilitative services essential for burn survivors, especially in resource-limited settings. SDG 5: Gender Equality highlights the need to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, with Target 5.2 explicitly addressing violence in both public and private spheres. Similarly, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions focuses on reducing violence and strengthening systems to protect women and girls from abuse and exploitation. Women’s safety, well-being, and opportunity cannot be separated from their fundamental right to live free from violence.
Violence against women, including the devastating and under-recognised reality of burn violence, represents a profound violation of human rights and a significant barrier to global progress. Burn violence, disproportionately targeting women, highlights systemic inequality, inadequate healthcare, and societal neglect. It directly challenges global commitments such as Sustainable Development Goals 3, 5, and 16, exposing the urgent need for action to reduce violence and support survivors. Addressing this crisis is essential to protect women and girls and fulfil the promise of a more equitable, peaceful, and just world.
