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.

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The Disarm Domestic Violence Campaign Goes to the End of the World

In Ushuia (Argentina), the southernmost city in the world, more than 90 women community leaders, government officials, journalists and students participated in an event to support the Disarm Domestic Violence campaign on 29 March 2010 organised by the Asociación para Políticas Públicas (APP) and Ushuaia Parliament, with the support of the IANSA Women's Network.

Take Action: Witness and Zimbabwean Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU):

In 2008, political violence erupted throughout Zimbabwe as a result of highly contested national elections. Between May and July alone, local organizations estimate that state-sanctioned groups abducted, raped, tortured, and beat over 2,000 women and girls due to their political affiliations.

Africa: Violence Against Women In Africa: From Discrimination To Impunity

African Women's Day gives us the opportunity to remember that gender- based violence is one of the most serious and widespread violations of the basic rights of women, particularly on the African continent. Gender discrimination is both one of the causes and an aggravating factor of the consequences of violence against women, thus contributing to the perpetuation of impunity of such cases.

Department of Defense Partners with Men Can Stop Rape on Sexual Assault Prevention Campaign

In support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and as part of their recent efforts to create a "culture of prevention" to reduce sexual violence, this week the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) is launching a social marketing campaign it developed with internationally recognized expert, Men Can Stop Rape, Inc. (MCSR).

Global GEAR Campaign petition to build a UN that really works for all women!

This year, at the United Nations 53rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) the GEAR Campaign launched a global petition (for individuals) that calls for the creation of a new, stronger women's entity at the UN.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence: Fundraising for 16 Days Activities

Based on the survey sent to 16 Days Campaign participants after last year's campaign, one of the primary challenges that many groups face when organizing for the 16 Days Campaign is securing funding and other resources for their activities.

Open Letter to the Security Council Members regarding the Situation in Guinea

Dear Ambassador,

As you are aware, the last two weeks have seen dramatic levels of violence in Guinea. A large part of this violence has been specifically aimed at women, particularly sexual violence.

Reports tell of women being raped in public, being gang-raped, and being sexually assaulted with guns and knives, by members of the Guinean armed forces.

CALL FOR PAPERS: The Body of the Nation: International Efforts to Address Sexual Violence in Conflict and Post-Conflict Zones

Feminists in the academy have an opportunity to help shape the questions leaders will answer as they formulate policy to address: (1) sexual violence as a weapon of war; (2) sex trafficking as a by- product of war; (3) services to help victims of these atrocities.

Campaign Against Post-Election Sexual Violence

A 23-year old woman was captured by government youth militia in north-eastern Zimbabwe and dragged to their camp near Mt Darwin, where she was gagged and gang-raped by a gang of 10 young men high on drink and drugs in a horrifying night of sexual abuse and beatings.

Support For Women in Zimbabwe who Refuse to be Intimadated

Since Valentine's Day 2003, women belonging to the human rights organization Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) have been repeatedly arrested by the police.

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