The gravest threat to a woman’s life is violence inflicted upon her simply because she is a woman.
Women between the ages of 15 and 45 are more likely to be maimed or die from male violence than from cancer, malaria, traffic accidents and war combined. Often times, violent acts such as rape, female genital cutting, or extreme physical abuse are used to intimidate, humiliate and discredit women, denying them political weight in society and forcing them into silent, second-class citizenship. Beyond personal injury, gender-based violence also results in unwanted pregnancies, severe psychological trauma and an increase in maternal mortality.
Half the Sky Movement is helping reverse this devastating trend by shining a light on these horrific acts of violence and inspiring victims to champion gender equality and safety.
• Stay Informed
• Speak Out
• Save a Life
Wimana, 40, reveals a gunshot wound to her back in Goma, North Kivu province, Congo (Photo by Lynsey Addario/ VII)
Donate to Organizations Making a Difference
The International Rescue Committee responds to the worst humanitarian crises and helps survivors rebuild their lives. In over 40 countries and 22 US cities, the IRC restores hope and safety to millions. The IRC has counseled and cared for hundreds of thousands of survivors of sexual violence and educated millions to lead prevention efforts in their communities. For every $1 spent by the IRC, 93 cents goes directly into humanitarian aid programs.
Working in remote regions of West and East Africa, Tostan helps to facilitate positive community-led social change through non-formal education programs. Inspired by their successful results, the Senegalese government has incorporated Tostan’s model in its Action Plan for FGC abandonment. In a sustainable, inclusive, and respectful fashion, Tostan has been working to end gender-based violence since 1991, and believes Senegal can be FGC-free in the next few years.
Futures Without Violence
For more than 30 years, Futures Without Violence has been developing policies, programs and public action campaigns to prevent and end violence against women and children around the world. They helped shape the landmark Violence Against Women Act in the US (1994), launched the first ever public education campaign on domestic violence, and have changed the practices in police departments, courtrooms, emergency rooms and classrooms throughout the country.