Congress Considers Fighting International Violence Against Women

by Alex DiBranco · 2010-02-04 15:36:00 UTC
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Who doesn't support ending violence against women across the world?

Today, the bipartisan International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA) was reintroduced to both the House and the Senate. Last time around, Congress didn't get around to passing this vital piece of legislation before the end of the session. That can't happen this time.

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), one of the bill's co-sponsors, said in a press release: "Every day, too many women and girls across the globe endure horrific acts of violence. They are disfigured by acid, raped and beaten, or they are denied the opportunity to see a doctor." One in three women around the world have been physically or sexually abused in their lifetime. Women disproportionally fill the ranks of the poor and are often denied education or political power. This legislation seeks to have the United States step up its game in fighting against these abuses and inequities.

IVAWA would streamline operations in the battle against violence by combining the various women-related offices into one superhero central. It would mark $1 billion for a five-year strategy to reduce violence in 10-20 key countries around the world with the most severe levels of abuse against women and girls, funding health and survivor services, and economic and educational access projects. IVAWA would further target issues ranging from "honor killings" to child marriage to rape to HIV/AIDS to employment opportunities to changing social norms.

Tell Congress to Pass the International Violence Against Women Act today.

Photo credit: Meanest Indian

Alex DiBranco is a Change.org Editor who has worked for the Nation, Political Research Associates, and the Center for American Progress. She is now based in New York City.
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