16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence
One in three women will experience sexual violence in her lifetime. There are ways we can work to interrupt and stop the violence.
We see movements, both in the U.S. and around the world, led by women and girls to end the silence that perpetuates sexual and gender-based violence.
- In the Philippines, United Methodists are working with interfaith and secular leaders to stop the sexual harassment of Lumad women.
- Malawi passed a constitutional amendment to outlaw child marriage.
- In the United States, advocates have persuasively demonstrated the connection between domestic violence and gun violence. Some states have strengthened laws denying access to guns for perpetrators of domestic violence.
Given that one in three women will experience sexual violence in her lifetime, we — people of faith — must continue to teach that “all of creation is sacred in God’s sight.”
The United Methodist General Conference reminded us of our role to follow Jesus’ example and interrupt violence. “Because many women and children, along with others, are ignored, abused, and violated, we urge renewed commitment to prohibiting violence against women and children in all its forms.” (Book of Resolutions, 3427)
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was Nov. 25.
That day also begins the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. Church and Society is participating in the 16 days by lifting up ways in which violence is perpetrated against women and children and ways that you and I can work to interrupt and stop the violence. Make sure to follow us on Twitter to learn more.
One thing you can do right now is to call your senators.
A bipartisan group of senators recently introduced the International Violence Against Women Act to aid in efforts to end violence against women. Sen. Johnny Isakson, a United Methodist and a Republican from Georgia, said in a press release, "The United States is a leader in ending gender-based violence around the world. The International Violence Against Women Act will help us better coordinate these important efforts.”
In addition to Isakson, the bill’s co-signers include Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Susan Collins, R-Maine.
The bill needs more co-sponsors.
Please call both your senators (202.224.3121) today and ask them to add their name to the International Violence Against Women Act. (And, if one of your senators is one of the four current co-sponsors, please call and thank them for their leadership.)
The IVAWA establishes a clear global strategy on how to best combat violence and calls for collaboration across agencies, governments and organizations. Ask your senators to support this comprehensive effort to end the epidemic of violence against women and girls.
Call now at 202.224.3121.
We will not stand by and let someone in our family — a child of God — be harmed by violence.
