Violence causes more death and disability worldwide amongst women aged 15-44 than war, cancer, malaria and traffic accidents.¹
In some countries, the war against women starts in the womb, where a simple determination that the unborn child is female can lead to the termination of the pregnancy.
There is a great divide between the rights of women and their male counterparts. It is increasingly evident that progress on this front is stale or nonexistent. Attempts to impact social change as it relates to violence must address issues of gender. We believe that all people are created equal and deserve the chance to pursue their future with equal footing. In light of the great disparity of gender, there is a need to address the issue of inequality with a targeted impact strategy to addresses the injustice as well as to provide opportunity for women and children to succeed.
We support efforts that empower women to lead in their community. We believe that the data supports the reality that when women are empowered, there is a ripple effect that impacts other vulnerable populations. This is especially evident with at risk children.
The power used to suppress women and children is often in the form of emotional, physical and sexual violence. We must address gender inequality because it forms the foundation of victimization and vulnerability.
¹ Source: World Bank Study World Development Report: Investing in Health, New York, Oxford University Press, 1993.