Gender inequality enables violence in Mercy’s life by hindering her physical development as a child by preventing her from doing sports, and hindering her education and economic prospects by preventing her from finishing school and forcing only one choice taking care of herself (marriage). In her community, Mercy’s church teaches the importance of chastity, keeping a good home and pleasing your husband, rather than other ways to maintain her spirituality and preserve her wellbeing. Because of this, Mercy has to live with a man who beats her and does not feel like she has any other option. These non-options are also forced on her daughter, Angel, since she is being taught everything Mercy was taught.
The violence by Clinton worsens gender inequalities because it could injure her, preventing her from taking care of herself and her children. This also has negative affects on her physical and mental health. If she continues to excuse it, the violence can also worsen the gendered messaging about violence and gender roles that her children are receiving.