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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UGANDA: Farm Schools in Uganda Engage Women and Men in Gender-Based Violence Prevention

Following two decades of conflict, violence against women remains a challenge to recovery in Uganda. By providing key life skills, and knowledge in agricultural production and nutrition - FAO's Farmer Field and Life Schools help address the root causes of gender-based violence.

ZIMBABWE: Taking the Conversation to the Other 349 Days

So the 16 Days of Action against gender-based violence (GBV) comes around again. The chance to act and protest GBV in this small window of time is a great relief when so much of the year seems to be spent analysing and campaigning from behind a desk.

Marches, protests, articles, and speeches are now the order of the day, but what of the other 349 days of the year, where I seem to find more questions?

KAZAKHSTAN: Kazakhstan Pushes Gender up on the Agenda

Unnoticed by many, Kazakhstan now ranks ahead of some of its EU partners according to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report for 2010. Kazakhstan is in 41st place with Slovenia in 42nd, France in 46th, Italy in 74th and Hungary in 79th.

ZIMBABWE: ZRP Women Network Lauded

SENATOR for Beitbridge constituency, Cde Tambudzani Mohadi, has launched the Zimbabwe Republic Police chapter of the women's network which seeks to uplift the standard of women in the police force by creating an enabling environment which will allow women officers to participate in all activities within the force.

ANGOLA: Women Called to Reflect on Domestic Violence

The provincial director of Family and Woman promotion in northern Uije, Emilia Fernandes, on Tuesday here said the approval of a law on domestic violence by the National Assembly will be possible to punish offenders and guarantee protection to the victims, Angop has learnt.

CAMBODIA: NGO Launches Women's Rights Campaign

A local NGO has said it would distribute 5,000 books designed to increase awareness of laws and services related to rights for women and children in a bid to improve gender equality and reduce domestic violence.

CHAD: Human Rights Problems Persist in Eastern Chad, UN Reports

Despite Government efforts against human rights abuses in eastern Chad over the past two years, problems persist, including sexual and gender-based violence, recruitment of children by armed groups and jail conditions, according to a United Nations report released today.

AFRICA/U.S.: Op-Ed on Gender-Based Violence

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women kicked off 16 Days of Activism, an international campaign to end gender-based violence.

SUDAN: Outcry Over Public Lashings of Women in Sudan

Graphic footage on YouTube showing a Sudanese woman being lashed have led to shocked reactions among Sudanese expats and emigrés.

LIBERIA: Rape Counseling for an Entire Nation

Sexual violence became a way of life in Liberia during its civil wars, with everyone -- women, men, babies -- victimized. Led by a feminist president, the country begins the healing process.

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