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 >>

Gender Justice Summit (GJS)

This energizing summit will bring together a diverse community of Oxfam supporters, academics, advocates, researchers, policy-makers, and activists from around the world to discuss poverty and development as it relates to women.

Harmonisation of Legal Instruments Prohibiting FGM: Sharing Successes, Consolidating Achievements, Pursuing Advances! For a United Nations Ban on FGM

The Inter-parliamentary Conference is organised by the Ministry of Family, Food Security, Women's Entrepreneurship, Microfinance and Children of Senegal and the international NGO No Peace Without Justice (NPWJ) in partnership with the Senegalese NGO La Palabre.

Oslo Conference on Armed Violence: Achieving the Millenium Development Goals

Armed violence – associated with conflict, crime and interpersonal violence – is an epidemic of global proportions. It represents a fundamental challenge to our common developmental and humanitarian goals, including the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

SUMMIT: Women and People's Summit of the Americas Against Militarization

Details

The Summit is designed to have three moments:

First moment:
Solidarity and Resistance Action to the regions of Colombia
(16th – 20th August)

Second Moment:
Round Table Discussions (21st – 22nd August)

Third Stage:
Vigil for life. (23rd August)
“As Women, we construct loving relations with Mother Earth
and affirm the sovereignty of our people.

Sexual Violence and Armed Conflict: from Innovative Research to Innovative Policy?

On Monday, April 12, 2010, Jennifer Leaning, Elisabeth Wood, Pamela DeLargy and Jennifer Klot will be holding a panel discussion titled “Sexual Violence and Armed Conflict: From Innovative Research to Innovative Policy?” to be held at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. The discussion is hosted by The Consortium on Gender, Security and Human Rights.

The Role of the Health Sector in Addressing Gender-Based Violence

The integration of the health sector into strategies to prevent and respond to gender-based violence is often lacking. This meeting will address the obstacles to integrating the health sector into preventing and responding to gender-based violence in conflict, and how they can be overcome. Speakers: Heidi Lehmann (Head, Gender-Based Violence Technical Unit, International Rescue Committee), Nancy E.

International Violence Against Women Act Introduction event at the U.S. Capitol

This event presents a great opportunity for our entire community to demonstrate what widespread support there is for the issue of International Violence Against Women. The I-VAWA bill will be officially introduced to the 111th Congress. This is a jointly event organized by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Changemakers Seeking Solutions for Raising Awareness against Gender-based Violence

The Campus of Excellence and Ashoka's Changemakers have launched a new competition for preventing violence against women. Under this competition, women's associations, education groups or grassroots-based NGOs implementing most innovative solution around the world for raising awareness and taking action against gender-based violence will be selected for grant support.

World YWCA Day 2010 : Women Creating a Safe World

Since 1947, World YWCA Day has been celebrated annually on April 24 and is an opportunity for YWCAs around the world to commemorate the history of this special movement. Each year the celebration has a different theme and programme that enables members to act locally for a common global goal and on April 24, 2010, the World YWCA will continue to focus on ‘Women Creating a Safe World.'

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