Power of Non-Violence and Commitment to a Culture of Peace
The Power of Non-Violence and Anah’s Commitment to a Culture of Peace
The International Day of Non-Violence observed annually on 2nd October to commemorate the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, provides an opportunity to reflect on the philosophy of non-violence and its relevance to addressing issues of violence and inequality today. Non-violence, as Gandhi defined, is not merely the absence of physical conflict but a positive force for social change through peaceful means, dialogue, and mutual understanding. It is a philosophy grounded in ahimsa, the principle of doing no harm, which extends beyond physical non-aggression to include emotional, psychological, and structural aspects of human interaction.
For the Anah Project, which supports women fleeing domestic abuse, non-violence is not an abstract ideal but a daily practice in creating safe spaces, empowering survivors, and challenging the conditions that perpetuate violence. In alignment with the United Nations’ definition of peace as a “dynamic participatory process where dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are solved in a spirit of mutual understanding,” the Anah Project is committed to fostering a culture of peace and non-violence at the grassroots level.
Violence Towards Black and Minoritised Women in the UK: A Crisis of Inequality
In the UK, the issue of violence against women remains pervasive, with disproportionate impacts on Black and minoritised women. Statistics indicate that Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic women face unique barriers and heightened risks due to the intersection of race, gender, and socio-economic factors. A 2020 report from the charity Imkaan, which advocates for Black and minoritised women, found that 84% of women using specialist services for domestic abuse were from Black and minoritised backgrounds. These women experience violence in ways that are exacerbated by racial inequalities, including higher levels of economic disadvantage, immigration status concerns, and racial stereotyping within legal and health systems.
The UK Government’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that between 2020 and 2021, there were over 1.6 million recorded domestic abuse-related incidents in England and Wales. However, the experiences of Black and minoritised women are often underreported due to cultural stigma, lack of trust in authorities, and fear of discrimination. This creates a critical gap in service provision, as mainstream organisations may not be adequately equipped to address the cultural and linguistic needs of these women.
Non-Violence as a Response to Structural Violence
Structural violence, a term coined by sociologist Johan Galtung, refers to the systematic ways in which social structures harm or disadvantage individuals. In the case of Black and minoritised women, structural violence manifests through systemic racism, economic inequality, and a lack of culturally sensitive services. The Anah Project responds to these forms of violence by offering a culturally tailored approach that recognises the specific needs of women from diverse backgrounds. By addressing the intersectionality of race and gender, Anah promotes a broader understanding of non-violence that goes beyond physical safety to include social justice and equality.
The Role of Education and Awareness
One of the core pillars of non-violence, as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on a Culture of Peace (1999), is the role of education in fostering tolerance, respect, and mutual understanding. The Anah Project’s work aligns with this principle by providing not only immediate support to survivors of domestic abuse. Additionally – educational programmes that raise awareness of the root causes of violence. By empowering women through knowledge and advocacy, Anah seeks to break the cycle of violence and promote long-term, systemic change.
Cultivating a Culture of Peace
As we observe the International Day of Non-Violence, we must remember that the journey towards a culture of peace requires more than the absence of conflict. It requires active engagement in dialogue, education, and advocacy to dismantle the structures that perpetuate violence and inequality. The Anah Project is committed to this mission, offering a beacon of hope and support for Black and minoritised women who are disproportionately affected by domestic abuse in the UK. By embracing the principles of non-violence, we work towards a future where all women can live free from fear and violence, and where peace is not just an ideal, but a lived reality.
