OPINION:
In the aftermath of the harrowing events that unfolded on October 7, where violent attacks against women shook the very foundations of our society, a disturbing silence prevails within women’s groups. The invitation I received to witness the graphic footage of the October 7 Hamas attack in New York serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to confront the rise of antisemitism and acknowledge the atrocities against women that some would rather deny.
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While family commitments prevent me from attending the viewing this week, I feel a moral obligation to shed light on the glaring double standard that persists when it comes to acknowledging and valuing the gravity of violence against women.
This issue is not isolated to the Hamas attack in Israel. However, it was displayed in its most extreme form at the music festival and on the kibbutzim, where women were brutally gang raped. Their bodies were dismembered. Families were burned alive, and others were kidnapped.
The increasing use of sexual violence echoes across the landscapes of Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iran, the Uyghur region, and Belarus, where acts of brutality against women have become normalized.
For every female professional advocating for equal treatment and opportunities, this normalization of violence should be deeply concerning. As witnessed in various regions globally, the suppression of women’s rights is not only a matter of gender discrimination but a deliberate and systematic effort by authoritarian regimes and religious extremists to reinforce their authority.
Reflecting on an earlier Diplomatic Courier article I published, I underscored the rising use of violence as a means to subdue women who cherish freedom.
Quoting from the piece:
“In February of 2022, Freedom House warned about the global order being close to a tipping point, urging democracy’s defenders to unite and commit to protecting the rights of self-determination. The subsequent Russian invasion of Ukraine catalyzed greater unity and commitment to defend freedom; however, the rights of women globally continue to plummet in countries where authoritarian governments and religious extremism hold sway.”
The resurgence of authoritarianism and terror as a tactic presently constitutes a notable menace to worldwide stability and the safeguarding of fundamental human freedoms.
The initiative “End Gender Apartheid” rightly emphasizes that the plight of women in Iran and under the Taliban in Afghanistan is not merely gender discrimination but a purposeful effort by these regimes to oppress women to solidify their authority.
Sexual assault as a tool of domination is also on the rise. In countries like Belarus, a documented “sisterhood behind bars” consisting of businesswomen, elected officials, and bloggers faces severe forms of torture, including rape, as reported by Eurozine and the BBC.
Jewish women have recently launched a campaign #MeToo_UNless_UR_a_Jew to reach 1 million voices, saying every woman’s life is equally precious as the UN publications have stayed silent on the atrocities against the women on October 7.
Like many, I’m deeply concerned about our future and humanity’s essence. I’m taken aback by how people react to the horrors of current conflicts. Some shield themselves from harsh realities, while others view everything through a political lens, making empathy seem impossible.
Leaders don’t passively react to the world; they actively shape it. The projects we undertake, the relationships we cultivate, and responses to challenges contribute to our legacy. Supporting women who resist authoritarian regimes and religious extremists is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity.
Empowering women is vital to reducing poverty and conflict, ultimately paving the way for more peaceful, stable, and prosperous societies. The disturbing silence surrounding the violent attacks on October 7 should be a rallying cry for all those committed to justice, equality, and the protection of women’s rights.
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Lisa Gable is a CEO, former US Ambassador, UN Delegate, and author of Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestseller “Turnaround – How to Change Course When Things Are Going South.” Lisa is recognized worldwide as a turnaround mastermind and innovative businesswoman and started her career in the Reagan administration.
