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 >>

VIDEO: Liberian President at Empowering Girls and Women Plenary Session

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf spoke powerfully Tuesday about the necessity of government reform on behalf of women in the developing world. She noted that most of Liberia's productive farms are managed by women. ""Women are much more conscious and much more dedicated in working the land. The men would rather just play drums."

CAMPAIGN: NGOs Launches Women Rights Campaign in Kirkuk

In an attempt to protect the vulnerable women in Kirkuk a number of organizations announced in a press conference on Saturday a camping for defending women rights in the province.

Many women have so far been killed under various social pretexts, the most notable one incentive for the murders is "honor".

CAMPAIGN: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence

The Center for Women's Global Leadership (CWGL) is pleased to share with you the Take Action Kit for the 2010 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign. This year's theme will begin to address structures in place that permit gender-based violence to exist and persist, starting with the intersections of militarism and violence against women.

ONLINE: Robert Fisk: The Truth about 'Honour' Killings

The old Pakistani maulawi laid two currency bills on the table between us, one for 50 rupees, the other for 100 rupees. "Now tell me," Rahat Gul asked, "which is the more valuable?" I thought it was a trap – which it was, in a way – but he lost patience with me and seized the 100 rupee note. "Now come with me." And he stood up and led me down a narrow corridor into a small bedroom.

CAMPAIGN: ArtCorps Partners with Oxfam America to End Violence Against Women

ArtCorps announces a new partnership with Oxfam America and their Gender-based Violence Prevention Campaign ”Entre Vos y Yo, Una Vida Diferente” in El Salvador. Using the power of street theater, ArtCorps is working with the San Salvador-based theater group Escena X, to inspire and motivate young women and men to break the cycle of violence and poverty in their communities.

BLOG: Who Cares About the Afghan Schoolgirls?

The Taliban care, if the rest of the world does not. For years they have been assiduously attempting to undermine the education of Afghan children, and girls in particular. So far this year alone, 60 schools have been burned or otherwise destroyed in Afghanistan, largely by insurgents, according to the Afghan Ministry of Education.

VIDEO: Haiti - Violence against Women - The enemy within

United Nations, August 2010 - Worldwide, violence against women and girls devastates and impairs their ability to participate in the rebuilding or development of their countries.

This has been the case in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti, as well as other war-torn nations.

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