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 >>

APPEAL: Kyrgyzstan Flash Appeal

In the aftermath of the deadly violence that rocked Kyrgyzstan earlier this month, the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) has issued a call for US$670,000 to provide urgently needed services. Specifically, UNIFEM seeks to provide psychological and rehabilitation to women survivors of sexual violence affected by the conflict.

LETTER-WRITING CAMPAIGN: Ask your members of Congress to support the International Violence Against Women Act

In her lifetime, approximately one in three women around the world will suffer violence simply because she is a woman. Sex trafficking, rape during times of war, and domestic violence are destructive forces not just for women, but for entire communities. This cannot continue.

CAMPAIGNS: 16 Days Campaign: Militarism and Violence Against Women

CWGL-Center for Women's Global Leadership-is pleased to announce the theme for the upcoming 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign (2010). The following examples of issues that the campaign can address are central to the work of many IANSA women.

These include:

INTERNATIONAL: Gender-Based Violence in the Context of Armed Conflict and Political Repression

WITNESS recently made a decision to focus a concentrated level of support to networks of human rights defenders working to challenge gender-based violence that occurs during and after armed conflict and under political repression (for more detail on this, see our previous blog post on the new network campaign strategy).

Why?

STATEMENT: The Rome Statute, the Voices of Victims

Stocktaking of International Criminal Justice: The Impact of the Rome Statute System on Victims and Affected Communities
Review Conference of the Rome Statute of the ICC Kampala, Uganda

The Rome Statute, the Voices of Victims
Breaking the silence on atrocities

PODCAST: In Women's Words--Mind over Matter

IPS Podcast featuring the following reports:

  • Congolese women still endure high levels of sexual violence
  • Pregnant mothers' mental health overlooked in South Africa
  • Zambian women networking to gain life skills

To listen to the podcast, please click here.

INTERVIEW: Q&A: Pulitzer-winning Playwright Inspired by Congolese Refugee Women

Lynn Nottage's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, "Ruined," tells a powerful and moving story about the suffering and survival of women in violence-ridden areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Conflict in the vast African country has left hundreds of thousands of people dead and millions forcibly displaced over the past two decades.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS: 2010 Funding for Global Programs to Prevent & Respond to Gender-Based Violence--Refugee and Conflict Populations

FY 2010 Funding Opportunity Announcement for global programs to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV) in refugee and conflict-affected populations, including research and assessments to strengthen GBV prevention and response interventions among populations of concern.

Funding Opportunity Number: PRM-SGP-10-CA-06022010

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