International Violence Against Women Act Introduced!

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The International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) was introduced into the House and Senate today. Ritu Sharma of Women Thrive writes,

The bill comprehensively addresses, for the first time, violence against women and girls through all relevant U.S. foreign policy efforts, including its international assistance programs. It would support local efforts in up to 20 countries, supporting emergency assistance like shelters, public awareness and health campaigns; education, training and economic empowerment programs for women, as well as legal reforms. It also makes the issue a diplomatic priority for the first time, asking the U.S. to respond within three months to horrific acts of violence against women and girls committed during conflict and war, for example, the rape and abuse of millions over the last several years in the Congo.

Click here to read the rest of Ritu’s commentary. To learn more about I-VAWA, download NCRW’s Fact Sheet.

And don’t forget to Save the Date! NCRW is partnering with the U.S. National Committee for UNIFEM to bring you a conference on ending violence against women, Security, the Economy and Education: Making the Connections to End Violence Against Women—A Plan for Action. It’ll be June 11 and 12 at Hunter College, NYC. You don’t want to miss it!