YWCA Week Without Violence: Women’s Rights are Human Rights
Today marks the beginning of the YWCA Week without Violence, an annual campaign launched in 1995 that takes place on the third week of October. World YWCA General Secretary, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda issued out a message to the movement as YWCAs around the world commemorate the week by organising events that seek to encourage individuals and communities to act towards a world free of violence.
The YWCA movement comes together this week to observe the week without violence, at a time when the World YWCA Board has adopted Violence Against Women as its theme for the International Women’s Summit and World Council, to be held in Zurich, Switzerland in 2011. For decades, we have as a movement taken action in our communities, schools, workspaces and public forums to raise awareness on violence against women, its existence, its impact on families and society. YWCA is known for its special approaches that include provision of safe spaces for women and girls; developing the leadership of women and providing services to survivors of violence.
The intersectionality of HIV and violence against women is a growing concern. Women living with HIV experience stigma and discrimination in their communities, families. The YWCA of Zambia study shows that, in the 874 cases of gender violence reported since 2006, nearly half of the women (427) were found to be HIV-positive. At the same time sexual violence and abuse increase risk of HIV infection for women and girls. These are therefore twin pandemics impacting on women’s right to life with dignity.
The Nairobi 2007 Call to Action launched at the World YWCA International Women’s summit identifies the physical, sexual and psychological safety of women and girls as a key area for action to ensure sustainable change that will empower women and girls, particularly those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.
Violence against women is a violation and an abuse of women’s human rights. This year, the world marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. It is in this spirit that the world over, women and men are reaffirming the core principle that women’s rights are indeed human rights. The world must double up its efforts to end violence against women; we must continue to provide services and support to survivors of violence, at the same time seek accountability and demand an end to impunity.
Women’s lives are under threat, as they live amidst war and conflict, at a time when women’s bodies have been turned to a battleground. Women and girls continue to experience sexual abuse, rape and mutilations in situations of conflict. The United Nations Security Council’s June 2008 Resolution1820 on Sexual and Gender Based violence in conflict asserts the responsibility to protect women and girls who are subjected to such violence. Together, we should struggle for peace with justice. YWCA responses in countries like The Republic Democratic of Congo, Sudan, Georgia and the Middle East encourages us all to double up our efforts to end violence.
As YWCAs around the world observe the Week without Violence, the movement continues to call for greater investment in women and girls, with knowledge, information and skills necessary for prevention of violence. We call for greater support to programmes and initiatives that enable women and girls to live in safety, and free from stigma and discrimination.
Related Links:
