The Future of Combatting Violence Against Children: A Conversation with Dr. Daniela Ligiero
By Laura Wenzel
I was very excited to hear Dr. Daniela Ligiero, CEO of the public-private partnership Together for Girls, because of her extensive experience working for the federal government, as well as top international organizations. However, after the talk I was left thinking about the future of Dr. Ligiero’s initiative and global health.
Dr. Ligiero has a passion for good data, something that is much needed to prove causes are worth investing in the global health arena. She is able to understand it and articulate it well, and has developed a vested interested among public and private actors in stopping violence among girls and boys. Dr. Ligiero said the future challenge is changing the culture surrounding violence. With other global health agendas, the path is quite clear, like giving vaccines to prevent an illness. But although violence spreads like a disease, it is not as easily eradicated.
Violence among girls and boys is engrained in culture, with the devaluation of women in society and the expectation for men to use aggression to solve their problems. Violence is also a continuous cycle. Dr. Ligiero’s research shows that boys who experience violence become men who perpetrate it, and girls who experience violence are more likely to become victims as adults. In order to fight this, Together for Girls, along with their partners, needs to find a way to slowly shift culture away from violence. However, this is easier said than done.
Dr. Ligiero gave examples of what they know works, like increasing safe spaces and reporting centers, as well as writing and enforcing legislation that makes violence a crime. But even these resolutions have cultural barriers. Nobody will report violence if they don’t feel safe or confident in the process. Many people, even in the United States, who are formally charged with various forms of violence get off easily without significant charges. The change has to be in society. How to start? Dr. Ligiero said the answer could lie in education programs, giving an example of an NGO that teaches women to defend themselves.
Beginning to change the culture surrounding violence worldwide is a daunting task, but Together for Girls is committed to starting the process. Dr. Ligiero fostered an open and honest conversation about gender norms in society, and what we can do better as individuals to help. Fighting violence against girls and boys will take an army, and some time, but Dr. Ligiero was hopeful they will succeed.
Laura Wenzel is an undergraduate studying Global Health in the School of Nursing and Health Studies, and a student fellow with the Global Health Initiative.
This blog was written by a student in Georgetown’s Conversations in Global Health course, which brings leaders in global health to Georgetown to discuss their careers and work.