The International Political Forum is a participating organization in The Center for Global Women’s Leaderhip’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign. From November 25th through December 10th, The IPF will co-sponsor a blog series hosted by The Women Worldwide Initiative entitled, “More Than 16 Days,” with co-sponsor Women LEAD. Violence kills and disables as many women between the ages of 15 and 44 as cancer, and its toll on women’s health surpasses that of traffic accidents and malaria combined. Women and girls need the world’s attention. This blog series, “More Than 16 Days,” will not only provide first-hand accounts of women and girls in both developed and underdeveloped countries who have come in contact with gender-based violence, but it will also demand the world’s attention for more than 16 days.
For information on gender-based violence and militarism, including statistics, check out the Talking Points & VAW Stats Sheets (from the 2012 Take Action Kit), available here.
Why this Campaign?
“Violence against women is perhaps the most shameful human rights violation. And it is perhaps the most pervasive. It knows no boundaries of geography, culture or wealth. As long as it continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress towards equality, development, and peace.” – Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations (“A World Free of Violence Against Women”, United Nations Global Videoconference, 8 March 1999)
The International Political Forum, The Women Worldwide Initiative and Women LEAD have partnered in the 16 Days of Activism Campaign to raise awareness about the pervasiveness of the multiple forms of violence women face. Hundreds of events by organizations worldwide are planned to campaign against gender-based violence, which is experienced by up to 70% of women in their lifetime, according to the United Nations. It is estimated that worldwide, one in five women will experience rape or attempted rape.
With current armed conflict in Israel, Syria and other corners of the world, this campaign could not be more timely. Since 1991, the 16 Days Campaign has grown into a powerful platform to educate the public and governments about violence against women and human rights.
Upcoming Events
- Follow the IPF’s blog so that you may fully engage in the Blog Series: More Than 16 Days for women, where one article will be posted daily from November 25th through December 10th.
- Save the Date! If you are in New York City, our friends at The Women Worldwide Initiative will be hosting an intimate film screening of Half the Sky celebrating women and girls worldwide on Wednesday, December 19th. If you would like to be invited, send an email to info@womenworldwideinitiative.org.
Want to Connect?
- Join the 16 Days Listserv: https://email.rutgers.edu/mailman/listinfo/16days_discussion
- Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/internationalpoliticalforum
- Twitter: #16days, @CWGL_Rutgers and @intlpolitical
The International Political Forum
The International Political Forum is the home of politically engaged young people around the world. Founded in April 2012, the IPF aims to provide a platform for high quality youth opinion and analysis on the issues that are really important to young people. We pride ourselves on being global, as such we currently have over 70 contributors from 25 countries. The IPF is non-partisan: welcoming opinions from all sides, as well as encouraging open and fruitful debate. Learn more: internationalpoliticalforum.com
The Women Worldwide Initiative
The Women Worldwide Initiative’s Young Women Rock! program is an after-school leadership, educational and personal development program for 14 – 18 year old girls in under-served neighborhoods in Brooklyn. The Program reaches over 20 young women, discussing issues such as violence against women, conflict resolution and women in the media. This Campaign is important to these girls as it not only broadens their view of the world, but it also informs them of issues facing all women and girls globally, and perhaps inspiring them to take action.
TWWI is a fiscally sponsored organization of Subud International Cultural Association with the mission to connect, inspire and educate women and girls on a global scale through mentorship programs, social change projects, and awareness campaigns. TWWI is dedicated to youth development, and cultural and economic empowerment of women and girls in low-income communities in New York City and developing countries. Learn more:womenworldwideinitiative.org
Women LEAD
Women LEAD, a partner organization of The Women Worldwide Initiative, is a leadership development organization for young women in Nepal. Both orgnaizations strongly believes that the lack of female leaders around the world is one of the biggest inequalities of the 21st century. Women in Nepal face overwhelming challenges: 1/3 of girls aged 15 to 19 are married and 60% of women are illiterate. Less than 2¢ of every development dollar goes to girls and 9 of 10 youth programs are aimed at boys. Learn more: women-lead.org
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