International Violence Against Women Act

Monday celebrates International Women's Day. In honor of this, please consider learning more about the International Violence Against Women Act, currently being considered by the U.S. government. Wouldn't it be nice, someday, to not have a special day to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of half of the world's population as a special occasion?

Violence against women and girls represents a global health, economic development, and human rights problem. At least one out of every three women worldwide are beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime, with rates reaching 70% in some countries. The International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) is an unprecedented effort by the United States to address violence against women globally. (IRC)

This legislation would make ending violence against women a diplomatic priority for the first time in U.S. history. The bill would require the U.S. government to respond to critical outbreaks of gender-based violence in armed conflict. It would invest in local women's organizations overseas that are successfully reducing violence in their communities. And it would help provide resources for economic opportunities that would help lift women and their families out of poverty. (Amnesty USA)
 
Please consider learning more about the Act from Amnesty International and consider signing a petition to send to your congresspeople, sponsored by the International Rescue Committee.

Here's an excellent video by Plan International.