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 >>

COLOMBIA: Women's Struggle for Peace in Colombia

Betty Puerto Barrera is a Colombian peace activist. Her peace work has focused particularly on women and the struggle to end all forms of violence that are suffered by women in Colombia. She currently forms part of one of Colombia's oldest women's organisational processes, the People's Women's Organisation, and forms part of a nationwide platform promoting a negotiated solution to the armed conflict.

USA: New Push for U.S. to Ratify Major Women's Treaty

The United States continues to be in the dubious company of six countries that have either refused or are reluctant to ratify the landmark U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Now a coalition of more than 100 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), human rights groups and women's organisations is renewing a longstanding demand for U.S. ratification of the treaty.

LIBERIA: GBV Campaigners Pledge to End Violence Against Women, Children

Several Gender Based Violence (GBV) campaigners, predominately women, have made a commitment to continue the fight by making sure that the Liberian society is free of GBV.

Speaking when she officially launched the 16 Days of Activism, the Executive Director of HOPE, Madam Keturah York Cooper, called on Liberians, especially women, to hold together in the strive to end violence against women and children.

Kurdistan: Women's Rights Activists Endure Death Threats, Attacks

Violence against women remains a reality in the Kurdistan Region, but another scourge remains less well known: Threats of violence -- and murder -- against women's rights activists.

SIERRA LEONE: Political Battle Wages on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Sierra Leone

It is also quite common to see masked women (commonly called “Bondo devils”) in their traditional red and white, at political rallies and/or dancing for the president, a political party or a candidate. This indicates that secret societies are still a force to be reckoned with, and something political parties tamper with at their peril.

SRI LANKA: State Terrorism Against Tamil Women

The sexual violence of the Sri Lankan military against Tamil women is fully tolerated by Political leadership and those heading the defense. The Sinhala Buddhists should be rendered sensitive to the sexual violence practiced by the all Sinhala military.

INDIA: Delhi Gang-Rape Underscores Rising Sexual Violence Against Indian Women

A horrific gang rape of a young woman on a bus in India on Sunday underscores the rising tide of sexual violence females face in the country, particularly in the capital of Delhi.

SRI LANKA : Every 90 Seconds a Woman Subjected to Sexual Violence

At least 450 thousand women farmers earn less than 2 euros a day and almost 200 thousand migrant workers suffer abuse, violence and torture. In the north affected by the civil war, 46% of mothers suffer from malnutrition and children under 5 years are underweight. Women are 53% of the population of Sri Lanka.

DRC: Bring Women Into Peace Talks - Diop

It's a country the size of all of western Europe, with enormous mineral riches that enable the artifacts of modern life, from mobile phones and tablets to circuit boards and solar panels. It is also, by many accounts, the worst place to be a woman.

IRAQ: Female Suicide Bombers 'Weapon of Choice' for Al-Qaida, Expert Says

Women have been involved in terrorist activities for more than 100 years, but from 2007 to 2008 there was an 800 percent increase in female suicide bombers in Iraq alone, terrorism expert Mia Bloom told the World Affairs Council of the Florida Palm Beaches last week.

Pages