Our Sixth Concern: Gender-Based Violence

You may recall that part of my original intention in creating this blog was to activate a network of concerned citizens. Given that, it's my pleasure to introduce our very first Guest Blogger, Abby Garner.

Abby address Our Sixth Concern, the very important issue of Gender-Based Violence. Be sure to read through her post, post your own thoughts and then look out for a mid-week update:

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Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global epidemic that affects the well being of women and girls from every culture, country, and class. Violence against women has been called "the most pervasive yet least recognized human rights abuse in the world." Studies have shown that at least one in three women have been beaten or sexually abused in their lifetime.

GBV can take many forms, including rape, harassment, domestic violence, and genital mutilation. It is undoubtedly linked to gender-based inequalities that permeate the attitudes and beliefs of many cultures. Because of the stigma surrounding this issue, women are often reluctant or afraid to share their suffering. It is time to give these women a voice. Our Sixth Concern addresses the morally reprehensible, yet widely ignored, public health threat: Gender-Based Violence.

To learn more:

1. Visit:

- UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund)

http://www.unfpa.org/gender/violence.htm

-an international organization dedicated to ensuring basic human rights for every woman, man, and child. UNFPA works with men and boys to change the paradigm of male-dominance that perpetuates violence against women.

- Women Watch

http://www.un.org/womenwatch/

-an inter-agency website created to provide information and resources about gender equality and the empowerment of women throughout the United Nations.

2.

- The World Health Organization (WHO) to read a groundbreaking study that investigated the extensiveness of gender-based violence in 10 countries

http://www.who.int/gender/violence/who_multicountry_study/summary_report/summary_report_English2.pdf

- International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA)

- slated for introduction in Congress in 2007, this act proposes ways in which U.S. international assistance programs can help support women all over the world who are working to eliminate violence in their communities.

http://www.womensedge.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=283&Itemid=99999999

***In the mid-week update I’ll offer you more ways to help. I’ll also discuss a particularly pressing matter related to GBV: the increased vulnerability of women and girls during armed conflict.