Stories from Women in Syria

By Jo Allebone World YWCA Short-term Advocacy Intern, Jo attended the 23rd Session of the Human Rights Council  (HRC) in Geneva, Switzerland. (Original source of blog: http://jojoia.wordpress.com/2013/06/14/day-18-stories-from-women-in-syria/)

This morning we attended the last Women’s Rights Caucus for the Human Rights Council. The Caucus is co-organised by the World YWCA, World Women’s Summit Foundation (WWSF) and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). The meeting provided an opportunity for members to hear from women who are working in NGOs in Syria and Jordan on what is ‘really’ happening to women and girls in refugee settings in these countries.

Jo Allebone

This is an important issue for the World YWCA as it has member associations in Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and Egypt – all of which are affected by and connected to the Syrian conflict. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, World YWCA General Secretary welcomed us to the meeting, she’s always so powerful when she speaks and brings everyone right back to the heart of why we’re here in Geneva.She reminded us that we need to make sure there’s a connection between what’s being talked about at the HRC and the realities of what women refugees are experiencing.

We know that the HRC will look at adopting the resolution on violence against women, and she challenged us to consider how today’s discussion can inform our broader engagement and advocacy at the HRC. She also noted that we need an intergenerational focus in our dialogue, from girls and young women as refugees, to women and mothers, and older women. The first guest speaker was Ms Fardous Albahra, from the Syrian Women’s League (SWL), who reminded us that what’s happening in Syria is not an armed conflict, it’s a revolution to reach democracy and justice.

The regimes have been focusing on different strategies to crack down on the revolution. Many Syrian women from a range of social classes have been raped and imprisoned, but there has been a particular focus on disadvantaged women. The aim of such tactics are to break the human spirit, disempower communities, and ultimately deter people from continuing their participation on the revolution.

She shared with us an insight into politics in Syria. Unsurprisingly, very few women are involved in Syrian politics. Fewer still are part of the women’s movement.

The majority of the women involved in Syrian politics don’t support the SWL’s call for women to have the right to pass their nationality on to their children. It was in fact the democratic secular men in parliament who supported it. The SWL hopes that the revolution will end soon, and that a secular and democratic government will encourage women’s participation in decision-making, politics and public life. They called for the international community to oppose human rights violations, and to support their long-term strategy and constitution for women to become a part of political life in Syria.

Next we heard from Ms Sabah Al Hallak, also a representative from the SWL who provided a brief overview of how the conflict in Syria began, and reminded us that women are disproportionately affected during times of conflict.

She said that women in Syria are calling for peace, and the SWL is doing whatever it can to seek women’s involvement in the political process, and demand women’s rights in the next government’s agenda. She noted that the media has played a big role in enforcing negative framing of women, and in exaggerating claims about violations towards women.

Unfortunately I didn’t have time to chat to her about this (she was whisked off to her next speaking engagement), but I presume that the government and media are closely aligned and work together to perpetuate a sense of fear among Syrian people.

Ms Dana Abu Sham, from the Arab Women Organisation of Jordan (AWOJ) reminded us that domestic violence is seen as a part of some Syrian cultures, particularly rural areas, and that this was occurring prior to the revolution.

She spoke of the AWOJ’s work outside of refugee camps, and the current challenges around data collection, and so was reluctant to make concrete statements about which issues were most impacting on women.

She shared a very different perspective on the way that men, particularly Arab men view women from Syria, and women from Jordan.

“Syrian women have a reputation of being fair-skinned, very beautiful, knowing how to please men (both physically and emotionally), and being sweet-talkers.

Jordanian women on the other hand are not as fair-skinned, they are more aggressive and they will stand up to a man”, she said.

It’s not uncommon for wealthy Arab men to fly into Syria or Jordan for one week, pay a small dowry to the girl’s impoverished family, marry her, and after a week of pleasure leave her forever – with nothing.

When child brides get married and do not register their marriages in host communities, then it is considered illegal in that country. Moreover if she were to have a baby, then automatically that child is considered illegitimate. The ramifications on her rights and the rights of the child are overwhelming. So what can women’s organisations in Geneva do? We were urged to continue our work on women’s rights especially in refugee settings, protecting women from all forms of violence, particularly in conflict situations, and to advocate for women to be involved in peace negotiations.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights & Premiere of Girl Rising

By Jo Allebone World YWCA Short-term Advocacy Intern, Jo is currently attending the 23rd Session of the Human Rights Council  (HRC) in Geneva, Switzerland. (Original source of blog: http://jojoia.wordpress.com/2013/06/06/day-12-sexual-and-reproductive-health-rights-premiere-of-girl-rising/)

Today the Sexual Rights Initiative and the World YWCA co-hosted a side event on sexual and reproductive health rights and the post 2015 agenda.

Kgothatso Mokoena

Panellists included:

• Dianela Pi, Ministro Conserjero, Mission of Uruguay
• Alanna Armitage, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
• Sandeep Prasad, Sexual Rights Initiative and High Level Task Force for ICPD
• Kgothatso Ekisa Mokoena, World YWCA

Ms Armitage spoke about the recent global survey that was conducted in 176 member states, providing data on what states are doing to combat gender equality and to support women’s empowerment. Some of the key findings from the report included that:

• 85% of all countries reported commitments to increase women’s participation in the formal and informal economy
• 70% are committed to improving the welfare of the girl child
• 8 of 10 countries are committed to increase women’s accessibility to information and counselling on sexual and reproductive health
• 50.4% are committed to providing access to safe abortion services
• 158 countries have implemented laws to increase the legal age of marriage to 18 years

However, 3 of 4 countries with the highest rates of child marriage don’t show commitment to ending it as a practice.

Ms Mokoena from the World YWCA did a great job of providing a grass-roots perspective on sexual and reproductive health, highlighting the gap between service provision and education as a major issue.

She spoke about the importance of implementing both service provision and education at a community level, to ensure that women, young women and girls are well informed of the options available to them.

For me, the biggest take-home messages from this session were:

• sexual and health rights are human rights. We must defend the gains we’ve already achieved, and continue to push forward where there is resistance
• the 2015 millenium development agenda isn’t being adequately monitored and reviewed, and this needs to be addressed
• education is crucial – we need to ensure that women, young women and girls can make informed decisions about their sexuality and sexual and reproductive health rights
• cultural practices, tradition and religion are never reasons to prevent women from accessing reproductive and sexual health care, including safe abortion
• we’ll never transform gender relations unless men and boys are part of the solution
• There’s a lot of work to do!

After the session we attended the premiere screening of Girl Rising, hosted by Plan International.

The film spotlights the personal journeys of nine unforgettable girls born in unforgiving circumstances and their empowerment. The film aims to raise awareness that education and empowering girls can break the cycle of poverty in just one generation. You can read more about their work here.

READ MORE FROM JO ON HER BLOG PAGE -http://jojoia.wordpress.com/

Annual day of discussion on women’s human rights & learning to read between the lines

By Jo Allebone World YWCA Short-term Advocacy Intern, Jo is currently attending the 23rd Session of the Human Rights Council  (HRC) in Geneva, Switzerland. (Original source of blog: http://jojoia.wordpress.com/2013/06/06/day-11-annual-day-of-discussion-on-womens-human-rights-learning-to-read-between-the-lines/)

On Wednesday we were back in the main room (the one with the funky ceiling) for the Annual Day of Discussion on Women’s Rights – great to see a whole day dedicated to this subject at the Human Rights Council (HRC).

United Nations

It was an important day for the World YWCA and the Y movement, because we had prepared a statement that focused on child, early and forced marriages that Jenna read out to the assembly in the afternoon. There’s no guarantee for NGOs as to whether they’ll actually have an opportunity to speak, because it all depends on what states have to say (they are given priority) and how much time remains after they have all spoken.

Here’s a video we made in the lunch break that explains what the statement is all about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8TFrfxuvro

The first panel discussion of the morning focused on reflecting on efforts to eliminate violence against women, from the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action to the 57th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

The opening statement was made by Ms Navanethem Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, with the discussion moderated by Ms Rashida Manjoo, Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences.

Panellists included:

• Ms Patricia Schulz, member of the CEDAW Committee
• Ms Florence Butegwa, Representative to Ethiopia (OIC), and Representative to the African Union and UNECA, UN Women
• Dr Fatma Khafagy, Ombudsperson of Gender Equality, Egypt
• Ms. Simone Cusack, Senior Policy and Research Officer, Australian Human Rights Commission; Author and Expert on Gender Stereotyping; and
• Juan Carlos Areán, Member of the Secretary-General’s Network of Men Leaders senior program director at the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF)

Ms Pillay provided an overview of the recent history of women’s human rights, highlighting CEDAW and the Vienna Declaration as milestones in reframing the debate on women’s human rights.

Ms Schulz spoke on behalf of the CEDAW committee and how it worked to frame violence against women as a form of discrimination. She also noted the importance of the contribution that NGOs make on informing this issue, and that the Committee has institutionalised the participation of NGOs and civil society in its work.

She said the influence of the Committee is growing despite the fact that some states don’t implement its recommendations. However, she also acknowledged that
violence against women continues all over the world and that dealing with it is not just the job of the Committee alone.

While the Committee has no legal power to enforce its recommendations and many states are slow and irregular in their reporting, the CEDAW convention provides a holistic legal framework to be able to effectively tackle this issue in an international setting like the HRC.

Ms Butegwa then shared some positive trends regarding violence against women, noting that 34 African countries now have legislation to eliminate violence against women. She thanked the participation of the CEDAW committee and supportive states in making this a reality.

We then heard from states on the issue, what their country had done to address the issue, and their suggestions for next steps to eliminate gender discrimination and violence against women. States who were particularly strong in their positions included: Brazil, Estonia, Canada, Lithuania, Chile, South Africa, Norway, USA, and Greece, as well as the European Union.

I noticed a common theme emerging, that was first noted by Ms Pillay in her opening address, and that is that implementation of resolutions is still a big problem.

Sierra Leone suggested that we need detailed action plans that are country-specific, include targeted strategies for different population groups, and media strategies and effective message dissemination for public education and awareness-raising campaigns.

READ MORE FROM JO ON HER BLOG PAGE -http://jojoia.wordpress.com/

 

 

 

Courageous Human Rights Defenders

By Jo Allebone World YWCA Short-term Advocacy Intern, Jo is currently attending the 23rd Session of the Human Rights Council  (HRC) in Geneva, Switzerland. (Original source of blog: http://jojoia.wordpress.com/2013/06/03/day-9-courageous-human-rights-defenders-and-beyond-the-rhetoric-on-eliminating-violence-against-women/)

Most Monday mornings I could happily forget. But this one was different, it was definitely one to remember.

Jo Allebone

The first session of the day was a side event on forgotten and ignored conflicts co-hosted by the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), Femmes Africa Solidarité and the World YWCA.

The phenomenal Madeleine Rees, General Secretary of WILPF chaired the session and opened by reminding us that while the topic of discussion isn’t the most high profile, it’s important for the UN to be reminded that they have an obligation to track and monitor these issues.

The panel comprised some of the most courageous women I have ever encountered:

• Aminatou Haidar, President of the Collective of Sahrawi Human Rights Defenders (CoDESA), Western Sahara
• Eliane Naika, Senator, Madagascar
• Brigitte Balipou, Board Member of Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS) and Founding Member of the Women Lawyer Association of the Central African Republic, Central African Republic
• Nyaradazayi Gumbonzvanda, General Secretary, World YWCA

Aminatou Haidar is an incredible Sahrawi human rights activist and an advocate of the independence of Western Sahara. She’s well known for her non-violent protests, has been imprisioned several times because of her independence advocacy. She’s the recipient of the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Award.

She had the difficult task of conveying 40 years of conflict in 10 minutes, but she did it extremely well. She explained that women in the Sahara are still deprived of almost all human rights, including the right to public representation, and called for feminists to present their solidarity with Sarahran women.

Brigitte Balipou, founder of the Women Jurors of Central Africa, drew our attention to a conflict that has been going on for decades.

She spoke of recruitment of child soldiers, forced marriages, rapes, murders, and the violations of fundamental human rights, and added that in Central Africa:

• 46,000 children don’t have access to education
• many women are victims of sexual violence
• there’s only 1 doctor for 80,000 people in the non-occupied territories and no doctors at all in the occupied territories

She said that all the structures of the Government have been dissolved since being overthrown by the rebels, which has contributed to a climate of insecurity not only in her region, but also in that of neighbouring countries such as Congo, Chad and Sudan.

She appealed to the international community and the Human Rights Council (HRC) to give humanitarian assistance in Southern Africa, saying that they want a strict applcation of the declaration of the human rights of women so the population can live in peace.

She said that at a local level agreements have been signed, but there’s no hope of solving this problem without additional support – even the churches are in the hands of the rebels.

Nyaradazayi Gumbonzvanda, one of our fearless leaders from the World YWCA then wrapped up the session by asking the question, who are these conflicts forgotten by? Because they’re certainly not forgotten by the women who are at the epicentre of the conflicts.

The media shifts its attention when it decides an issue will no longer make headlines, political attention shifts when there’s a lack of pressure, provision of resources diminishes, and as a result it is not at the top of the UN HRC council priority list. This limits our ability to mobilise assistance for these countries.

So what are the implications? The repression and impunity in these countries will continue without intervention. And where there is impunity there is fear, and there’s less opportunity for civil engagement.

So how do we protect peace advocates and human rights defenders in these countries?

Nyaradazayi made some recommendations for what you can do at a global level:

• she stressed the importance of practically applying CEDAW, and looking at the region of a country that is being investigated, not just the country itself
• she said special rapporteurs on various issues can play an important role in bringing visibility to issues of conflict, even when this isn’t their specific mandate
• she talked briefly about citizen journalism and social media – so we ca give women living in these situations a voice, and get the real stories out there into the public sphere

Finally, she called for the delegates in the room to find ways to echo these womens’ voice and continue to fight for peace and solidarity around the world.

And then there were comments from the floor. This was the point at which the dynamic in the room changed.

Some of the delegates claimed that there wasn’t adequate attention given to their country’s situation, and others claimed that particular population groups such as men, have been left out of the equation.

Regrettably, the delegates presenting these views shouted them at the panel, talking over one another, and attempting to demand the floor from the Chair. The tension in the room was so thick you could’ve cut the air with a knife.

One gentleman left the session outraged, yelling in Arabic from the back of the room. Sadly there was no Arabic translator so we missed out there. I understand however that WILPF and the World YWCA will be meeting with these people in due course to better understand their position.

It was the first time here at HRC that I’ve seen people disrespect the assembled group and the Chair (who did a fantastic job of reigning people in).

READ MORE FROM JO ON HER BLOG PAGE -http://jojoia.wordpress.com/

Child, Early and Forced Marriage

By Jenna Lodge Foster, World YWCA Short-Term Advocacy Intern. Jenna is currently attending the 23rd Session of the Human Rights Council  (HRC) in Geneva, Switzerland and below shares her reflects a HRC side event organised by the World YWCA, Plan International, UNFPA and various Permanent Missions to the United Nations including Canada and others.

The issue of child, early and forced marriage is gaining popularity as more countries shed light on such a violation of the Rights of the Child.  Flavia Pansieri, UN Deputy Commissioner for Human rights, opened an intriguing session on Child, Early, and Forced Marriage, sponsored by Plan International and co-sponsored by the World YWCA.

Jenna Lodge Foster

Child, early, and forced marriages happen around the world. Did you know that 10 million girls are married before the age of 18? Marriages are sometimes with men who are 2-3 times their age. 46% of girls under 18 are married in South Asia. 1 in 3 girls will be married before their 15th birthday.

This topic is considered to be an egregious is some countries while others see it as a right of passage for men. The more basic problem is that the early marriage of girls impacts of the other realms of life. Girls are pulled out of school early, not giving them the opportunity to complete their education and rise to their full potential.  There is an expectation from the families they are married into to have children. This can have serious implications on a girls’ physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.  Economic empowerment is decreased. The potential to be autonomous is greatly reduced. Girls may be forced to stay at home, leaving them to be completely reliant on their husbands.

If marriages continue at this rate, more than 140 million girls under the age of  18 will be married by 2020. This is an alarming statistic. NGO’s, governments, and communities must be willing to raise this issue and protect the rights of girls. As an advocate for women and girls, it is vital that NGOs like the YWCA cultivate strong advocates to rally around girls to protect them, empower them, and raise awareness about this issue to reduce this occurrence.

¿Cómo impacta el conflicto armado los derechos de las mujeres jóvenes en Colombia? Algunas recomendaciones a Naciones Unidas y al gobierno colombiano

Magda López-Cárdenas

Magda López-Cárdenas, YWCA de Colombia. Investigadora del Cinep/ Programa por la Paz Colombia

En el presente artículo voy a hacer una panorámica general sobre la violencia política y social contra las niñas y mujeres jóvenes en Colombia en el marco del conflicto armado, deteniéndome en el desplazamiento forzado, la violencia sexual y el reclutamiento y vinculación por parte de actores armados  y no armados. Al final, me enfocaré en dirigir unas recomendaciones a Naciones Unidas y al Gobierno colombiano.

Son muchas las arbitrariedades que siguen ocurriendo en medio de la guerra a pesar de los esfuerzos institucionales y de la sociedad civil, el Derecho Internacional Humanitario y las denuncias que se logran amplificar por el avance en las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación. Es claro que la separación entre combatientes y no combatientes es apenas una aspiración con resultados relativos, pues en la carrera por ganar la guerra, el caos reina y los derechos de la población civil quedan a merced de los actores armados.

En Colombia en el marco del conflicto armado no resuelto que lleva 60 años, las mujeres se encuentran menos afectadas por homicidios individuales y secuestros, pero sí constituyen la mayoría de víctimas de delitos como el desplazamiento forzado, la violencia sexual, ciertos tipos de amenazas, desaparición,  reclutamiento y utilización forzada por parte de los actores armados.

Esta violencia ejercida sobre las mujeres, ocurre como consecuencia de habitar territorios afectados por el conflicto armado, pertenecer a organizaciones de mujeres, de derechos humanos, iniciativas de paz o de reclamación de tierras, por su parentesco o vínculo afectivo con algún actor del conflicto, por la defensa de sus familiares frente a amenazas o por poner resistencia al reclutamiento forzado de sus hijos, cónyuges o familiares

Sobre la situación expuesta y con el fin de fortalecer la protección de las niñas y las mujeres jóvenes en el actual contexto colombiano de conflicto armado, me permito dirigir algunas recomendaciones:

A Naciones Unidas

-          Continuar en su tarea de seguimiento a acciones de violencia en contra la mujer que se dan en Colombia en particular en el marco del conflicto armado, independientemente del actor que cometa los abusos

-          Reconocer la inclusión de las nuevas organizaciones paramilitares en los informes y su participación en violencia contra las mujeres en medio del conflicto armado

-          Reafirmar las ventajas humanitarias de una salida negociada al conflicto armado que permita dar fin a las hostilidades y evitar futuras víctimas

-          Exigir que los crímenes de violencia sexual queden excluidos de las disposiciones de amnistía en los procesos de paz

-          Reafirmar la necesidad de participación de las mujeres en la siguiente fase del proceso de paz, de acuerdo con la Resolución 1325 del Consejo de Seguridad de Naciones Unidas

-          Fortalecer la presencia de los programas humanitarios y de desarrollo que atienden y previenen situaciones de violencia contra la mujer en zonas afectadas por el conflicto

-          Exigir a  todas las partes del conflicto armado, la adopción inmediata de medidas para proteger a los civiles, incluidas las mujeres y las niñas, de todas las formas de violencia sexual

Al Gobierno Nacional

-          Formular e implementar una Política integral de paz que no reduzca el tema de la negociación a la conversación con la guerrilla

-          En el marco del actual proceso de paz con las FARC, generar acuerdos viables que no menoscaben los derechos de las mujeres víctimas

-          Garantizar la participación de las mujeres en la tercera fase del proceso de paz de las FARC, lo cual no sucedió, en las fases 1 y 2

-           Fortalecer e implementar un mecanismo eficaz de denuncia, monitoreo y respuesta frente a violencia contra las mujeres y las niñas, sobre todo en territorios donde las autoridades pueden estar presionadas o infiltradas por actores armados

-          Eximir , los casos de violencia sexual de las disposiciones de amnistía para grupos armados

     A los actores armados:

-          Sacar los cuerpos de las mujeres de la guerra, implementar medidas apropiadas para proteger a los civiles, incluidas las mujeres y las niñas, de todas las formas de violencia sexual como disciplina militar, el cumplimiento del principio de responsabilidad del mando y el adiestramiento de las tropas bajo y la prohibición categórica de todas las formas de violencia sexual contra los civiles (Resolución 1820 de 2008)

Para terminar quisiera expresar, que si bien estamos en un momento importante en el camino de la paz, la violencia contra las niñas y las mujeres no cesará con un acuerdo, sino hasta que las niñas y las mujeres sean incluidas en los procesos de negociación y construcción de paz y sean tratadas como iguales en sus hogares, comunidades, sitios de trabajo y como ciudadanas cuyos derechos deben ser respetados.

Another world is possible, We are Unstoppable

By Naheel Bazbazat, from the YWCA of Palestine, shares the realities faced by women and girls in Palestine & her experience at CSW.

Naheel Bazbazat

I work as a women’s rights coordinator at the YWCA of Jerusalem, focusing on delivering awareness campaigns for dropout students and women who have had early marriages, as well as on capacity – building and leadership training for young girls.

Violence against women is a layered issue in the occupied Palestine territory as is the case elsewhere.  Palestinian women are often made victims of a traditional; patriarchal structure that devalues their role in society added to this is the stress of living under Israeli occupation: the everyday humiliation, violence, and frustration that leads to increased tensions in the home. Dr. Nadera Shalhoub professor and criminologist at Hebrew university, emphasises how living with the constant anxiety and instability of the occupation affects the lives of women, noting that “domestic violence increases, patriarchal and masculine violence increases and economic violence against women increases”.

Moreover, all aspects of live including health and education worsen, further inhibiting women’s ability to develop socially and economically. Home demolitions are particularly traumatic as this targeting of the home space changes the entire social fabric of the community and shifts relationships within the family, which may leave young women vulnerable to violence.  Furthermore, it is important to note that Palestinians are left with less than 22% of historic Palestine, where almost 30% of the population is aged between 15-29 years old, who are and continue to be the direct victims of the occupation.

The YWCA of Palestine clusters all it programmes under four main thematic areas, each thematic area has specific strategic objectives that fulfill its goals and values, and is in line with the overall vision and mission:

1. Women’s economic development to empower women to earn a fair and competitive income,
2. promoting women’s rights to create spaces for young women in its targeted communities to learn about and advocate for their rights, whether social, economic or political,
3. youth leadership training and civic engagement for enabling youth, particularly female youth, to participate in civic life and contribute to build a free and democratic Palestinian society through youth leadership program,
4. primary education and cognitive learning for children-to improve inquisitive and play skills.

Through this opportunity to attend the Commission on the Status of Women 2013, I have been able to share the work of the YWCA of Palestine and the realities faced by Palestinian women and girls and therefore raise their voices and demand that Palestine be free, so that women and girls can truly live a life free from violence!

Furthermore, I have developed my knowledge around UNSCR 1325 and CEDAW. It has been a real pleasure and richness to engage politically and gain more skills in lobbying and to advocate for as part of the YWCA delegation at CSW. I have enjoyed meeting all the young women in our movement from around the world and also sharing with them all the issues and the realities in each of our countries. Together we have discussed how we will be leaders in communities.

The most amazing time for me was during the march on International Women’s Day- 8^th march 2013; I always attend the march every year in Jerusalem. We work a lot with other women’s organisations and we stand for women rights and demand freedom. This year it’s really different for me being in New York and it was more than an honour to march with all the diverse women gathered and chant through hope and anger- that “Another world is possible, We are Unstoppable”, I believe we can end violence against women. CSW has been such a truly amazing experience in my life which I will share with fellow YWCA members.

I was a child bride; Mereso’s Story

By Mereso Kilusu, Special to CNN

Tanzanian Mereso Kilusu was a child bride . She found comfort and her purpose with the local YWCA. She is now an activist against child marriage

Nine of the 10 countries with the world’s highest rates of child marriage are in Africa: Niger, Chad and Central African Republic, Guinea, Mozambique, Mali, Burkina Faso and South Sudan, and Malawi.

My country, Tanzania, did not make the list. But in traditional Maasai communities like mine, marrying off girls is very common. I was married at 13 to a man in his 70s. It happened during Christmas break. My father told my school that I had died. Even if he hadn’t, I would have been forced to leave when I got pregnant because that was the law at the time.

I gave birth to my first child within a year. I had no professional prenatal care and no trained medical assistance during delivery. I had to depend on my husband and his other wives for guidance. It was a very painful experience. Every time I became pregnant after that I felt sick and scared. Because of all these difficult births I have a hard time controlling my bladder and it can be painful to urinate. Today I am a mother of five at 29 years old.

In communities like mine, age is not understood as a number. Our traditional values dictate girls are meant for marriage, and when the men decide we are biologically ready, we are married. Marriage is sometimes a way of forming and cementing relationships. But it is also a way of earning money. My family received a bride price from my husband and then he took me away to become one of his wives.

He beat me regularly, and so I fled back to my village. But my father and brother told me the price had been paid, this was no longer my home, I had to return. It wasn’t until six years ago that I was able to take charge of my own destiny. I ran away to the city of Arusha and met Rebecca, a volunteer with the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). Through counseling, workshops and friendship, I gained more confidence in my own voice and learned to support myself.

When I returned to my village, I found an ally: one of our community leaders named Abraham. In his own extended family girls were running away from forced marriages. He felt obliged to support them by giving them shelter and food. Quietly, he was encouraging them to go to school hoping it would be a way to get girls out of their situation. When he learned about how I was able to find support from YWCA he was inspired. Knowing there would be places for girls to go outside their communities helped convince him they would be OK if they left their marriages. But I love my family and my community, and I didn’t want leaving to be the answer.

So I set up a YWCA in my village. And slowly, change is happening.

Some men and boys are not happy with what I’m doing. I have to be around others all the time to protect myself from harassment. I don’t know if my own father would approve if he were still alive. But many are recognizing that this is the way forward. That girls have value beyond marriage. That we can earn money and contribute more to our communities when we stay in school.

My brother used to think I was wrong to leave my husband. But seeing how well I am doing selling traditional Maasai jewelry and clothing he is starting to respect my choice. He no longer beats me, but he still won’t let me have access to any of my father’s farms. Thankfully I have supporters in my community who help give me other options to grow food for my children. I believe my relationship with my brother will get better with time. I am still working on it.

My mother is so proud. She used to fear my disobedience to my husband would reflect poorly on her and she would be cast out of the community. But now she sees I am welcome and respected and she is so happy to have me back in her life. When attitudes begin to shift from within communities this way, then people start to have hope. And politicians gain more courage to act. Without support from community leaders, parliamentarians fear passing laws will cost them votes and they will lose power to make any difference at all.

Likewise passing laws provides no guarantee girls will be protected unless they have community support: 158 countries have set the legal age for marriage at 18 years but the laws are simply ignored by communities where marrying children and adolescent girls is common practice. In the fight against child marriage, the biggest battle is finding those who are ready for change and giving them the courage to speak to others.

Those of us who believe in the power of girls, who have seen what they can do when they have options, we need to tell everyone we can.

Editor’s note: Tanzanian Mereso Kilusu was a child bride and is now an activist against child marriage. Her story was translated by LoeRose Mbise, of YWCA Tanzania, and edited by Marlee Wasser, of The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health.

The World is Watching!

Raechel Mathews is from YWCA Australia (YWCA NSW). She represents the young women of her community and the movement at CSW 2013

At 10am, Monday, 4 March, 2013, the 57^th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations, New York, was officially opened! This year’s theme is ‘Elimination and

Raechel Mathews

Prevention of Violence for Women and Girls’, involving negotiations between 45 member states of the United Nations, to come to a set of agreed conclusions about policy changes to be adopted in their home country in support of the advancement of women’s rights.

Commencing with a passionate address from the Chair of the Commission, HE Ms. Marjon Kamara from Liberia, stated that ‘the words we speak here in condemnation of violence will be transformed into new and systematic actions on the ground that create real and meaningful change in the lives of women and girls’. Ms Kamara also emphasized that the Commission participants must have a commitment to ‘enhance accountability from stakeholders about promises made’. As well as highlighting successes achieved, obstacles faced and outstanding challenges that the delegates are expected to share during their country presentations, Ms Kamara acknowledged the panel and side events which are to be held outside of the negotiations during the next two weeks; encouraging her colleagues to participate in interesting exchanges, and embrace ‘the vibrancy of side events and inspiration you get from the stories’ to ensure CSW will be a valuable experience.

The Chair, on behalf of the Bureau,(other members include Ms. Ana Marie Hernando (Philippines) of the Asia-Pacific States Group, Vice-Chair; Ms. Irina Velichko (Belarus) of the Eastern European States Group, Vice-Chair; H.E. Mr. Carlos Garcia Gonzalez (El Salvador) of the Latin American and Caribbean States Group, Vice-Chair; Mr. Filippo Cinti (Italy), Western European and other States Group, Vice-Chair) stressed that due to the disappointing collapse of last year’s agreed conclusions, globally, ‘all eyes are on us’  and full participation is required for a productive session.

The proceedings continued with an address by the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Jan Elisson, who in his rousing speech, also highlighted the significance and importance of CSW, and reinforced the collective feeling in the room from delegates who share his passion about breaking the cycle of violence.

He acknowledged that ‘Women’s empowerment is picking up speed… but we need to do more’ and that ‘Ending violence against women is a matter of life and death’; describing it as ‘global scourge’.

He stated that knowing about violence against women is not enough, and that as a global body, it is imperative for member states to change minds and laws; mobilising forces to ‘create a culture where shame around these crimes is solely directed to the perpetrators’. The Deputy Secretary General stressed the importance of encouraging men to break gender stereotypes and to take an equal share of responsibility in their homes and families; and that ‘you do not have to be a politician and policymaker’ to eliminate violence against women.

Ms. Michelle Bachelet, Executive Director of UN Women, opened her speech to the Commission with athe clear statement that ‘the world is watching’ and in the wake of violence in India and Pakistan, the priority theme of CSW is timely. Ms Bachelet recounted several stories of violent attacks from around the world, including a young woman from the US who took her own life after being raped by men she thought were her friends; to a woman from Northern Mali who was raped for 2 nights by 7 men whilst her arms were chained to avoid her fighting back. She also talked about slavery, trafficking, economic abuse, female genital mutilation, and early and forced child marriage. Ms Bachelet credited the bravery of Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousazfai, who was shot in the head for advocating girls’ right to education; received applause for reinforcing the importance of gender mainstreaming to be featured in the Millennium Development Goals; and identified the need for more women on the justice frontline (police, lawyers, judges) to encourage more women to report crime and receive assistance. Ms Bachelet conveyed that implementation of laws, policy and programmes must be accelerated, stating ‘Prevention of Violence AgainsftWomen requires acceptance from all members of society, including men and boys. Words need to be matched by action’.

Other speakers included the Chair of the Committee of the Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Ms Nicole Ameline, as well as the Special Rapporteur for Violence Against Women, Ms Rashida Manjoo, who spoke about disability and  institutional abuse.

This was an encouraging way to begin CSW 57, and to hear all speakers expressing their personal and their respective organisation’s desire for sustainable change. Let’s hope over the next two weeks this momentum and passion continues as the negotiations over policy language begin!

Hearing about UN Women’s commitment to eliminate early and forced child marriage is a positive step forward towards the World YWCA’s own campaign, which you can support here:

http://www.worldywca.org/Take-Action/SIGN-THE-PETITION

Reflecting on the Impact of CSW 2013

Alexis Warth of YWCA USA and is an active participant from the YWCA movement at the CSW 2013. Alexis sheds light on the issues concerning governments and laws pertaining to the issue of violence against women.

Alexis Warth

For the next two weeks, government delegates and representatives from over 6,000 organisations from across the world will be meeting in New York for the 57th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The CSW meets annually to assess the progress of gender equality in countries around the world and to develop standards and resolutions to promote the equality and empowerment of women. The CSW theme for 2013 is the “elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls,” making this year’s focus particularly relevant to the YWCA. As a representative from the YWCA USA, this event provides a meaningful opportunity to join together with women’s organizations from across the world to discuss how violence touches lives in every community and every country around the world and what movements and tactics have been effective in addressing this widespread issue.

What has been striking so far in these events and discussions with representatives from across the globe is the commonality of the issue of violence against women (VAW).  This violence can manifest itself in countless ways, from intimate partner violence, to sexual assault, to the restriction of sexual and reproductive health and education, to sex trafficking, to discrimination in the workforce and the political system.   Communities and countries may be at different points in the development of support systems and services, government laws and policies and public awareness around the issue, but violence against women is still at an epidemic level on every continent.

How is it possible that despite differences in economic development, culture, religion, history, government structures, etc., women in every community are still experiencing so many forms of violence?  How is it that 1 in 3 women globally, including in countries like the U.S. who have significant federal laws concerning VAW, will still experience physical violence, sexual assault and/or stalking by her intimate partner in her lifetime?

A common reaction is to turn to the legal and political systems in each country to pass and adopt laws to protect women from violence, prejudice and discrimination.  But as the Executive Director of UN Women Michelle Bachelet so eloquently put it at a CSW opening event over the weekend, “policies and declarations aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on if there’s no implementation and accountability.”  While the formal consideration of violence against women in the governmental and legal spheres may vary from country to country, even in countries that have extensive laws and policies in place that address the safety and equality of women, a person’s gender is still a significant risk factor for violence and often a barrier to equal participation in society.

Already, there have been many discussions at this CSW about the underlying issues that allow VAW to continue to plague societies across the world, including issues around implementation of laws and policies; ongoing patriarchal structures; allocation of power, control and resources; dehumanization; and entitlement and privilege.
As one of the largest women’s organisation in the world, these discussions of how to not only address the crisis of violence in individuals’ lives, but also the underlying structural and societal causes of violence against women is essential to inform the ongoing work done by the YWCA across the globe.