Working to End Violence Against Women

In 1999, the United Nations designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Violence against women is a pervasive issue; according to the World Health Organization, “At least one out of every three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime—with the abuser usually someone known to her.”

This year, as we reflect on this, we focus both on violence against women and violence against the girl child—girls who are below the age of 18 who are subject to various forms of physical, emotional and sexual violence.

Violence Impacts Health
Violence against women has both a direct and indirect impact on the health of women. Female genital cutting can prevent women from having healthy childbirths; fear of violence from family or community members might prevent women from seeking health services; and physical violence against pregnant women has resulted in many miscarriages.

World Vision Canada is joining its Partnership offices in commemorating this day, focusing our thoughts on violence against women in both development and emergency contexts.

Influencing Change in Emergencies
This year the challenges faced by women in Haiti, Pakistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were brought to the fore as natural and man-made disasters made these very delicate conditions even more precarious for women. In each of these situations World Vision is helping create safer spaces for women. In Haiti, the safe spaces we help create for children provide some level of protection against abuse and violence.

Women-focused Development
World Vision Canada also supports work to end violence against women within our development work—in our ADPs. Along with helping to build safe environments for women including supporting the creation of refuge and healing centres, World Vision is advocating for legislation that protects women and girls. In Canada our advocacy team is aggressively supporting legislation to discourage the trafficking of girls into Canada for sexual exploitation.

We are also focusing on changing behavior and practice—changing the minds of those who perpetuate violence.

In the year to come, World Vision Canada is committed to challenging practices and cultures that promote violence in the field. In Southern Africa we are supporting a project aimed at reducing gender-based violence and promoting accountable governance. We are also funding projects to end harmful traditional practices that put girls at risk in Chad, Sierra Leone and Ghana. In Asia we continue to support programs to help eliminate the trafficking of women and girls.

See the Issues & Our Work
Hear the heartbreaking story of one girl affected by rape in the DRC.

Meet eight people whose lives have been changed by World Vision’s work to end female genital mutilation.

See how a Child Parliament in the DRC is bringing hope to children like Elise, an 11-year-old brothel worker.

Learn how World Vision is advocating to end sex tourism and trafficking in Asia.

You Can Make a Difference
Sponsoring a girl will help keep her in school and help her family earn an income, keeping them out of desperate situations than can often result in exploitation and abuse. Sponsor a girl child today.

In countries around the world, World Vision is working to end violence against women, by educating communities and providing safe havens for women and girls.
Photo: Lisa Salyer, World Vision.