Gender-Based Violence is a Not Just a Women’s Issue
Because violence against women impedes economic and social growth, the campaign will run until 2015, the target year of the Millennium Development Goals, one of which is the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women. The Secretary-General urged worldwide cooperation from youth, women’s groups, men, the private sector and UN Member States. In his remarks, the Secretary-General noted that among the weapons currently being used in armed conflict are rape, sexual violence and abduction of children as soldiers and sex slaves. While acknowledging that there is no one approach that will address the problem, he stated, “But there is one universal truth, applicable to all countries, cultures and communities; violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable, never tolerable.” The problem of gender-based violence (GBV) affects every aspect of a society. Cultural norms, regional warfare and disasters aggravate the problem and require broad-based tactics to combat it. Sexual violence is also one of the major factors in the spread of HIV/AIDS, according to the United Nations. Recognizing the pervasiveness of the problem, Global Impact member charities integrate services for the victims of GBV with all their programs. These programs include not only emergency response, but also emotional support, education, microloans, job skills training and rights awareness advocacy, in local communities and worldwide. For additional information, read In the Trenches of the War Against Gender-Based Violence. To learn more about how rape is being used as a weapon of war, see Member Charities Struggle to Maintain Lifelines to Embattled Democratic Republic of Congo Region. In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, Global Impact salutes those who are working tirelessly throughout the world through varied and innovative programs to combat violence against women and to heal the victims of abuse. |
