WUNRN
YWCA Week Without Violence - Resources & Tools
Copyright Jeff Bauche
“I dream of
giving birth to a child who will ask: “Mother, what was war?” Eve Merriam
20/10/2011 - Women play a vital role in both conflict and peace. Whether
as refugees, soldiers or survivors of sexual violence, women experience war
differently from men and are vulnerable in ways that men are not. In the midst
of the chaos and destruction of war, women assume responsibility for protecting
and providing for their children and communities. Yet, when it comes to
negotiating peace and doing the practical work of rebuilding societies after
war, women are largely ignored.
Violence Against Women is one of the greatest threats to human security
worldwide. Research shows that one out of every three women is a victim of
violence. The world YWCA promotes the participation of women in conflict
prevention, resolution and peace processes in accordance with UN Security
Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. This year the theme for
the YWCA Week Without Violence is: “Women in Peace Building
”.
YWCA’s across the globe are encouraged to provide civic education
programmes for women and girls involvement in peace building and
reconciliation, as well as the promotion of women’s equitable participation in
democracy and monitoring of electoral processes. Peace building is an extremely
broad concept which encompasses democratisation, women’s equality, human rights
and development. It is a bridge between conflict resolution and sustainable
peace. It equates with the construction of a new social environment that pushes
forward a sense of confidence and improves conditions of life. Peace building
is also facilitated through empowering a marginalised population exposed to extreme
vulnerability so as as to allow them to achieve self-sufficiency and
well-being.
The fight for peace, justice, and human dignity can be won by working
towards adequate healthcare, education, shelter and food for all people,
everywhere. By eliminating poverty and ensuring a just distribution of the
world’s resources, a significant portion of the triggers which lead to conflict
would be removed. By promoting respect for the human rights and dignity of all
people, the difference in skin colour, nationality, or religion would lose
their power to ignite hatred.
As you carry
out your activities for the Week Without Violence, here are some useful
resources and tools:
Empowering
Young Women to Lead Change
The elimination
of all forms of violence against women is a World YWCA priority. YWCAs in 60
countries offer a range of programmes from advocacy to providing emergency
shelters for women and their children.
http://www.worldywca.org/Resources/YWCA-Publications/Empowering-Young-Women-to-Lead-Change
UN Women
All human development and human rights issues have gender dimensions. UN
Women focuses on priority areas that are essential to women’s equality, and
that can unlock progress across the board. The fundamental violation of
women’s rights remains widespread, affecting all countries. Women need strong
laws, backed by implementation and services for protection and prevention.
http://www.saynotoviolence.org/
Newsweek
Magazine: Where Women Are Winning
Just over a decade into the 21st century, women's progress can be
seen-and celebrated-across a range of fields. They hold the highest political
offices from
Make Room for
Peace
Make Room for Peace gives practical guidance to third parties, such
as donors, diplomatic delegations, mediators and other intermediaries aiming at
supporting sustainable peace processes. The recommendations apply to both
national and international stakeholders in peace processes. The manual may also
be used as a tool for women’s organisations advocating women’s participation in
peace processes.
http://www.kvinnatillkvinna.se/sites/default/files/Make%20Room%20for%20Peace_english_low_0.pdf
VIOLENCE
AGAINST WOMEN EPIDEMIC DOCUMENTATION PROJECT
CASE EXAMPLES,
SUCCESSES & CHALLENGES - 10 COUNTRIES
Karin
Alfredsson is spearheading a nongovernmental project to document violence
against women around the world, and to highlight the shortcomings and successes
of legislation and other initiatives aimed at helping to curb it.
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Making-a-difference/2011/0919/Karin-Alfredsson-travels-the-world-to-help-stop-violence-against-women ___________________________________________________________________
Australian Human Rights Commission
Mechanisms for
advancing women’s human rights: A guide to using CEDAW optional protocol and
other international complaint mechanisms In 1979, the UN General Assembly
adopted CEDAW to address ongoing discrimination against women. CEDAW aims to
eliminate all forms of discrimination against women, with a view to achieving
substantive equality. A practical guide is now available for lawyers, advocates
and women experiencing violations of their rights on how to use the Optional
Protocol to CEDAW, and other international complaint mechanisms to seek redress
for alleged violations of women’s human rights.
Download in Word Download in PDF
_____________________________________________________________________
VAWG: Your
Questions, Our Answers
Violence Against Women and Girls
- French.pdf
Violence Against Women and Girls
- Bangla.pdf
VAWG: Your Questions, Our Answers
- Spanish