Mid-Week Update: Gender-Based Violence

Our first guest blogger, Abby Garner, continues today with a mid-week update on Our Sixth Concern: Gender-Based Violence.

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The terrifying reality of gender-based violence manifests itself most intensely during periods of armed conflict. Fighting forces use sexual abuse as a strategy of war, intended to destroy and humiliate their opponents. Women and girls are often forced to exchange sexual favors for their survival. The majority of female survivors of the genocide in Rwanda, for example, were sexually assaulted.

In Bosnia, more than 20,000 Muslim women were raped in a single year during conflict (UNHCR 2002). Such atrocities are now recognized as crimes against humanity.

To learn more about this issue and to read first hand accounts from victims, click Here

...Or visit this site to read a poignant story about a Congolese woman who survived sexual assault and is now rebuilding her life with help from the IRC (International Rescue Committee)

To find out how to help, visit:

- The Women’s Edge Coalition

-and make sure to sign the petition to support the GROWTH (Global Resources and Opportunities for Women to Thrive) Act, which would provide economic opportunities to women living in poverty

You can also donate to:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC), a global leader in providing emergency relief, rehabilitation, and protection for people affected by violent conflict and oppression.

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Thanks for reading Abby's posts, and thanks for sharing Our Concern about Gender-Based Violence. Post your comments today and be sure to look out for our next guest blog soon!