Gender Equality United States Project #10736

Help Us Create a World without Violence

by Women Thrive Worldwide

Project Report | Mar 20, 2013
Mobilize Feminist Groups to End Violence

By Mariel Andrew | Organizational Advancement Intern

A recent study by political scientists Mala Htun (University of New Mexico) and S. Laurel Weldon (Purdue University) found that when it comes to ending violence against women, mobilizing feminist groups is the most effective path.

The study tracked policies in 70 countries over a 30-year period, concluding that the actions of autonomous feminist groups make the most lasting impact. “Movements explicitly trying to elevate women’s status and expand women’s opportunities” are the key to creating effective policy change. Expanding women’s opportunities and elevating their status lead to a decrease in violence as well as an increase in policies that counter violence against women. Movements by autonomous feminist groups are even more effective than getting women elected is (in fact, Htun and Weldon found not much correlation there at all).

The chief advisor for peace and security for UN Women, Anne-Marie Goetz, said of the study: “[It] strengthens the argument for building the capacity of women’s organizations and ensuring that they have an operating environment that enables them to advance their work.”

Women Thrive has been a leader in the fight to end violence against women globally since its founding. We have always believed in order to solve gender-based violence (GBV), we need a comprehensive solution that not only includes prevention and response to GBV, but also elevates the status of women and expands economic opportunity. Htun and Weldon’s study affirms Women Thrive’s work and approach.

Additionally, by supporting our work, you help keep us independent. Women Thrive does not accept any government money, making us a credible watchdog. One way in which Women Thrive tries to elevate the status of women everywhere is by holding the government accountable. As governments shape and implement policies, we ensure that these policies will serve, protect, and empower women worldwide.

By supporting Women Thrive, you can combat violence against women and help women and girls live without fear. To learn more about combating GBV, read Htun and and Weldon’s study here. To learn more about Women Thrive and our issues, visit our website.

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Feb 1, 2013
THIS SUNDAY: See our Founder on CSPAN

By Amanda Parker | Senior Associate, Organizational Advancement

Jan 22, 2013
Women Thrive Founder Speaks out on GBV in News

By Amanda Parker | Senior Associate, Organizational Advancement

Ensuring the well-being and safety of women and girls is no easy task. Over the last four years, good gains have been made in ending violence against women and girls but the fight is nowhere near complete. Just within the last couple of months, we have been reminded of how much work needs to be done: rapes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have risen dramatically due in large part to ongoing conflict there, Malala Yousufzai was brutally shot by the Taliban in Pakistan for standing up for her right to be educated, and a spree of horrendous gang rapes in India have left both the country and the world outraged.

It's clear that policy makers must prioritize the safety of women and girls in order to ensure that broad, sustainable changes are made. As we begin a second Obama Administration, and as women and girls' champion Secretary of State Hillary Clinton steps down in the coming weeks, Women Thrive Worldwide Co-founder and President Ritu Sharma had a few things to say in recent press opportunities:

"Dear Mr. President,

Thanks to your leadership, the U.S. government has taken huge strides forward in helping to prevent and end violence against women around the world during your first term… ending gender-based violence should remain a top priority for your administration. What we’re asking from you is to take a firm position of leadership in holding various government agencies accountable for ensuring that this strategy is implemented correctly and effectively." (read the full article here: http://womenthrive.org/blog/dear-mr-president-make-your-legacy-last-investing-women)

"Amid all the speculation over what Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will or will not do next, here’s the question that’s not being asked: Will anyone else bring the same dedication and focus to improving the lives of women around the world as she has done?" (read the full article here: http://womenthrive.org/media-resources/pressroom/news/after-hillary-clinton-who-will-fight-women). If Clinton’s successor does not prioritize equality as she did, years of progress will be lost. Women Thrive will work directly with the new Secretary and other members of the State Department to help continue this positive momentum.

With your support, Women Thrive has become a leading advocate in the fight to end violence against women and girls. Thank you for your commitment to this cause. I look forward to sharing future media coverage and good news in the coming months.

PS – Tune in to watch Ritu speak on CSPAN's Washington Journal on Sunday, Feb. 3, where Ritu will talk about what can be done in 2013 to end violence against women and girls.

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