Rape and sexual violence targeting women and girls are routinely used not only to terrorize women, but as strategic tools of war and instruments of genocide. Girls as young as 8 are raped and murdered as soldiers from armed groups, including government and rebel forces use targeted rape campaigns as they fight for control.
Terror groups such as Boko Haram. routinely kidnap schoolgirls to use as sex slaves, wives and suicide bombers.
Yet despite numerous international conventions mandating the protection of civilians in conflict, women are still specifically targeted for violence during war and need special protection – but there seems to be little appetite to do anything about it.
But just as they are used as a form as oppression in conflict; they are also powerful peace-builders whose efforts to prevent conflict and secure peace have been critical, yet largely unrecognized, and hardly integrated into any formal peace processes.
We can change this, and there is already a silver lining in this dark cloud. In 2000 the UN security council, recognizing the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls adopted resolution 1325 – its aim to increase the participation of women at all levels of decision-making; protection of women and girls from sexual violence, and introduced measures to address the concerns of women and girls during rebuilding communities damaged during international crises. It also address the reality that women are targets in conflict and are excluded from efforts to end the fighting.
Then On January 21st, 2015, the Senate introduced the Women, Peace and Security Act (WPS Act), a critical piece of legislation that would ensure the inclusion of women in conflict prevention, resolution, and peace building processes.
Let us support the WPS Act, because women understand that “security” is not just about removing weapons and troops. Woman understand true security comes with human dignity—with access to clean drinking water, food, healthcare, shelter and bodily integrity.
We recognize that women are successful leaders in preventing and resolving conflict, and their inclusion in our decision-making processes will play a vital role in attaining international peace and security.
Lets push the US Congress, urging passage of the Women Peace and Security Act
Sign this petition with me, and make a difference to millions of woman and their daughter around the world.
