FORUM: The Unspoken Cost of War - Gender-based Violence During Conflict

EVENT DETAILS

Tuesday, 13 November 2012 | 6:00pm - 7:30pm
National Film and Sound Archive
McCoy Circuit, Acton
Canberra ACT, AUSTRALIA

And;

Wednesday, 14 November 2012 | 6:30pm - 8pm
Multipurpose Room, Fort Scratchley
Nobbys Road, Newcastle East
Newcastle NSW, AUSTRALIA

Violence against women, and its deep seated physical and psychological affects, is ever present in our global society. The 25th of November marks the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women, intended to raise awareness and motivate a global response to such atrocities. The day also marks the first of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence, which this year explores how women are affected by conflict, the absence of security and the roles that women play in peace-building.

The forces that fuel violence against women during peacetime become inflamed during civil unrest and conflict but the abuse and suffering doesn't end when the fighting is over. There are women who have no option but to live with daily reminders of their torture - in the form of health issues, flashbacks, unwanted pregnancies, fear, depression, stigmatisation and dishonour. And this, in turn, can lead to alienation from their communities, preventing them from participating in life's essential activities like education and earning an income, not to mention governance and peace building.

Who among us would be willing to endure such circumstances and abuse? Are there measures that can be put in place to prevent violence against women? And what can be done to transform the behaviour that enables and encourages such violence in the first place?

Women play a crucial role in managing conflict situations and in peace-building. So how do we safeguard against such violence, assist women to overcome these horrific experiences and empower them to take leading roles in these kinds of initiatives? And what role can men play?