Help Stop Violence Against Women

One out of three women has been abused in her lifetime. This is not only a moral outrage, but it is a deplorable violation of human rights. 

And it doesn't have to happen. Women Thrive Worldwide along with Family Violence Prevention Fund and Amnesty International, has created a piece of legislation, the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA), to help protect women by making them a top priority for US Foreign Policy. For the first time, cessation of violence against women will be a diplomatic concern for the United States, prompting required response to egregious violence such as current mass rape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. No longer will we be able to turn a blind eye to the suffering of women both at home and abroad. 

The impact of violence: 

- Abused women are less productive employees. According to Women Thrive Worldwide, Indian women who reported even one incidence of violence lost seven working days per year.

- Abused women who experience abuse at work are 95% more likely to stop working. 

- Violence does not stop at the schoolyard. Girls who experience abuse in school drop out 4 years earlier than their counterparts. 

- Abused women, for physical and mental health reasons, are less able to care for their families and be active participants in their communities. 

The impact of change: 

If this resolution passes, women will have better access to economic support, will have better legal protections against violence, and will have systems of recourse. These measures will give voice to a traditionally silenced group. Through economic opportunity and poverty reduction efforts, passage of IVAWA will support local efforts to protect and encourage women's prosperity, which is a win-win for the whole community. Happy, educated, and healthy women create better opportunities for continued education for their children, are able to earn more for their families, and contribute more to the security and vibrancy of their society.

Through their dedicated coalition including: Amnesty International, the Family Violence Prevention Fund, the United Nations, the US State Department, more than 150 US-based NGOs, and 40 international women's groups, Women Thrive Worldwide have made IVAWA a centerpiece of their programmatic attention. In the House, this act is sponsored by Congressman Delahunt (D-MA), Congressman Poe (R-TX), and Congresswoman Schakowsky (D-IL) with other members and in the Senate by Senator Kerry (D-MA), Senator Snowe (R-ME), Senator Boxer (D-CA) and Senator Collins (R-ME) with other Senators.

Help us fight violence against our friends and family. Click here to send a message to your Senators and Congressperson and do your part to help stop violence against women. Violence is preventable. Stand up.

Thanks to activist Kerri M. for inspiration and material for this post. Good luck, lady.

Photo Credit: Paola Gianturco and Women Thrive Worldwide