Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) theme focuses on the incidence and prevalence of violence against women in conflict and post-conflict settings. Polarisation of gender roles, proliferation of weapons, militarisation, and the breakdown of law influence SGBV.

The risk of SGBV is heightened during conflict by aggravating factors, including the polarization of gender roles, the proliferation of arms, the militarization of society, and the breakdown of law and order. The subsequent long-term and complex impacts of SGBV continue to affect individuals and communities after conflict ends.

SGBV is addressed in all five resolutions on Women, Peace and Security. In SCR 1888, the Security Council expresses its intention to ensure peacekeeping mandate resolutions contain provisions on the prevention of, and response to, sexual violence, with corresponding reporting requirements to the Council (OP11). The resolutions deal with protecting women from violence (1820,OP3, 8-10; 1888,OP3,12); strengthening local and national institutions to assist victims of sexual violence (1820,OP13; 1888,OP13); and including strategies to address sexual violence in post-conflict peacebuilding processes (1820,OP11). SCR 1820 also calls for the participation of women in the development of mechanisms intended to protect women from violence (OP10).

Lastly, SCR 1960 creates institutional tools and teeth to combat impunity and outlines specific steps needed for both the prevention of and protection from conflict-related sexual violence. The new “naming and shaming,” listing mechanism mandated in the Resolution is a step forward in bringing justice for victims and a recognition that sexual violence is a serious violation of human rights and international law.

Addressing SGBV is an integral aspect of the overall Women, Peace and Security agenda. SGBV affects the health and safety of women, and also has significant impact on economic and social stability. The Security Council recognises that sexual violence can threaten international peace and security, and that it is frequently used as a tactic of war to dominate, humiliate, terrorise, and displace.

For more resources on this Critical Issue, visit PeaceWomen Resource Center >>

STATEMENT: WILPF Statement for Human Rights Day

The 10th December is Human Rights Day and the culmination of the 16 days of activism, the theme of which this year has been militarism and the link to violence against women.

CAMPAIGN: 16 Days of Activism marked around the world

Between 25 November, International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women, and 10 December, International Human Rights Day are the annual 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. UNHCR staff and refugee and displaced communities around the world organize activities to raise awareness and show their commitment to end such violence, which disproportionately affects women and girls.

BLOG: Gender-Based Violence: Emptying the Meaning of Peace and Democracy

This year 2010 marks the celebration of 15 years of the implementation of the Beijing Platform of Action; 10 years since the landmark UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and 20 years of the global campaign for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. Despite women's progress on the political front and their centrally placing structural and physical violence against women in the public sphere, the insecurity of women has escalated.

BLOG: Trapped by Violence – Women in Iraq

17-year-old Rand ‘Abd al-Qader was killed in the city of Basra on 16 March 2008. She was murdered by her father, apparently assisted by two of her brothers, because she had developed a friendship with a British soldier based in the city.

BLOG: From White Cloth to Precious Gems: Cambodian Women Challenge Gender Stereotypes and Defend Against HIV

An ancient Khmer proverb says, “A man is gold; a woman is a white piece of cloth.” Gold can get dirty or be dropped in the mud, but it can be polished and become as shiny as new; if white cloth is dropped in the mud, it will be forever stained, soiled, and ruined. This is a sad reflection of how Cambodian society traditionally views female sexuality.

APPEAL: Visioning a World Free from Violence Where Every Women Regardless of Color or Religion Lives Happily: A Voice from Somali Women

Dear Respected U.S. President Barack Obama, Secretary Hillary Clinton, vice president Biden and U.S. Senators.

As IVAWA voting approaches, I am writing to beg and encourage you to pass this important Act for the benefit of women and girls everywhere in this world.

In this letter I want to clarify and share some of the tragedy issues that Somalia women face.

WEBCAST: UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Margot Wallström Talks about Her Trips to DR Congo and Bosnia & Herzegovina

UN / WALLSTROM

UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Margot Wallström talks about her recent trips to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Bosnia Herzegovina saying that sexual violence is still seen "as one of the weapons or tactics of war or even as a kind of reward for soldiers." UNTV / FILE

Duration:05:00 Date:1 December 2010

BLOG: Re-conceptualizing Security: Where are the Women?

What types of images does the term conjure up for you? Locks and keys, barbed-wire fences, and metal detectors? Men with badges? Three-ounce shampoo bottles in little plastic bags, perhaps?

TRAINING: Journalists Schooled on Gender Based Violence Reporting

Male and female Journalists drawn from the print and electronic media on Tuesday 30th November 2010 started a three days training on reporting Gender Based Violence (GBV) at the British Council Hall in Freetown.

The training is organized by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) in partnership with the British Council.

ANALYSIS: You Get What You Pay For, DRC (Part of the 16 Day Campaign)

What could be done with the approximate $140 Million spent on military expenditures every year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo….

The cost of a forensic rape exam is $800: you could buy 175,000 rape kits. The evidence gathered with these rape kits, if properly taken care of, could lead to an end of impunity in the DRC.

Pages