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 >>

ZIMBABWE: Let's Unite to End Domestic Violence

As Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in commemorating the 16-days of activism against gender violence which begin this Thursday, it is critical that this does not just become a one-off event but a more aggressive approach towards ameliorating the scourge be adopted.

The media have highlighted incidents of domestic violence many a time but what comes out appears to be only a tip of the iceberg.

SOUTHERN AFRICA: African Women Still Struggling for Equality

Despite the political will shown by leaders on the African continent, women in Africa faced serious challenges with regards to empowerment and parity.

This is according to Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, who was speaking at the launch of the 2010 SADC Protocol on Gender and Development on Monday.

The Minister noted in some countries in the SADC region, women had minority status.

IRAQ: No Country for Women

The improved political representation of women in Iraq is in sharp contrast to their broader disempowerment, as highlighted by the persistence of domestic violence and early marriage, according to a new report by the UN Inter-Agency Information and Analysis Unit.

PACIFIC: Asia-Pacific Region UNited To End Violence Against Women And Girls

The United Nations Secretary-General's campaign "UNiTE to End Violence Against Women" got off to a powerful start in the Asian and Pacific region, with a high-profile event held at the United Nations Conference Centre on 25 November and attended by HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha and HE Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of Thailand.

SOUTH AFRICA: Abused Women Need More Protection

The criminal justice system (CJS) needs to do more to protect women and to deal with all social and political issues affecting women living in abusive conditions, Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said on Tuesday.

"Failure to do so, makes the system an equal perpetrator of injustice," she said at the South African launch of the 16 days of activism campaign on no violence against women and children.

KYRGYZSTAN: Bride Kidnapping Prevalent in Kyrgyzstan

The custom of bride kidnapping, which began with rival clans stealing and forcing marriage on each others' women, has grown into a large social problem in Kyrgyzstan over the past 50 years.

Some young men in this Central Asian state take to heart the well-known Kyrgyz saying, “A good marriage starts with tears.”

AFRICA: USAID Gives U.S.$731,000 for Health in Eastern, Southern Africa

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has given a grant of $731,000 for strengthening and advocacy for maternal child health in East, Central and Southern African region.

The funds for the one year project that commenced in October will be administered through the East, Central and Southern African Health Community (ECSA-HC) secretariat based in Arusha, Tanzania

BOTSWANA: BNF Celebrates 16 Days of Activism

The Botswana National Front (BNF) calls upon the nation to join hands in marking the beginning of the 16 Days Of Activism Against Women And Children Abuse.

ALGERIA: UN Gender Official Visits Algeria

UN Special Rapporteur on gender-based violence, Rashida Manjoo, is visiting Algeria through Saturday (November 20th) to meet with women in cities across the country.

Manjoo plans on meeting with senior officials and producing a report on instances of violence against women.

SOUTH AFRICA: We Have a Major Problem in South Africa

The murder of a British honeymooner in a township near Cape Town made the headlines – but what about the women living in a country where they are more likely to be raped than to learn to read?

Pages