Exploring the obstacles and solutions to keeping women and girls safe from violence during conflict, on the streets and at home. https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/gender-based-violence/rss en Gender-Based Violence Reproductive Rights Mon, 22 Jan 2018 11:20:00 +0000 Sarita Santoshini https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/22/in-northern-uganda-male-mentors-spread-the-word-on-family-planning https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/22/in-northern-uganda-male-mentors-spread-the-word-on-family-planning A hundred men in Acholi region have been trained to advocate for family planning, by spreading awareness and counselling other men on the health and financial benefits of respecting their wives’ rights to help make decisions on when and how many children they have. Gender-Based Violence Tue, 09 Jan 2018 09:30:00 +0000 Tracey Eaton https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/09/sexual-exploitation-of-girls-on-the-rise-in-bolivia-activists-warn https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/09/sexual-exploitation-of-girls-on-the-rise-in-bolivia-activists-warn NGOs say increasing numbers of young girls are being forced or coaxed into prostitution in Bolivia, turning the country into Latin America’s latest sex tourism destination. Gender-Based Violence Wed, 03 Jan 2018 10:30:00 +0000 Rumbi Chakamba https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/03/women-accused-of-witchcraft-face-assault-and-death-in-tanzania https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/03/women-accused-of-witchcraft-face-assault-and-death-in-tanzania Each year, hundreds of people - most of them women – were killed for being suspected witches. Rights activists say raising awareness and investing in development can help stop communities from turning on their elders. Crisis and Conflict Gender-Based Violence Health Reproductive Rights Thu, 14 Dec 2017 03:00:19 +0000 Jihii Jolly, Megan Clement https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/14/deeply-talks-caring-for-rohingya-women-and-girls https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/14/deeply-talks-caring-for-rohingya-women-and-girls Women & Girls speaks with Dr. Hassan Abdi of UNFPA and journalist Katie Arnold about how best to provide sexual and reproductive healthcare to Rohingya women and girls amid one of the world’s most desperate humanitarian crises. Gender-Based Violence Health Tue, 12 Dec 2017 09:39:21 +0000 Jihii Jolly https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/12/6-experts-to-watch-on-female-genital-mutilation https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/12/6-experts-to-watch-on-female-genital-mutilation As part of our ‘Experts to Watch’ series, we meet six campaigners who are advancing research, policy and action on the ground to bring an end to female genital cutting. Gender-Based Violence Solutions Fri, 08 Dec 2017 03:00:55 +0000 Shadrack Omuka https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/08/how-a-whatsapp-group-is-fighting-child-marriage-and-fgm-in-kenya https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/08/how-a-whatsapp-group-is-fighting-child-marriage-and-fgm-in-kenya In rural southern Kenya, it can be difficult to reach girls at risk of experiencing genital cutting and forced marriage, but a gender officer in local government has set up a WhatsApp group to help the community intervene to protect their children. Gender-Based Violence Wed, 06 Dec 2017 11:49:40 +0000 Christabel Ligami https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/06/universities-asked-to-step-up-to-address-rape-on-campus-in-kenya https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/06/universities-asked-to-step-up-to-address-rape-on-campus-in-kenya Campus sexual assault is a widespread problem in Kenya, but universities often let perpetrators off with a warning, activists say. Meanwhile, many survivors are too scared to come forward with their stories of abuse. Gender-Based Violence Tue, 05 Dec 2017 12:04:17 +0000 Jihii Jolly https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/05/u-n-ending-gender-based-violence-means-leaving-no-woman-behind https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/05/u-n-ending-gender-based-violence-means-leaving-no-woman-behind The 2017 international campaign to end violence against women and girls is focused on reaching the most marginalized and vulnerable for prevention and treatment programs. U.N. Women’s Dina Deligiorgis explains why. Gender-Based Violence Tue, 05 Dec 2017 11:25:05 +0000 Justus Wanzala https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/05/kenyan-men-join-the-fight-against-gender-based-violence https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/05/kenyan-men-join-the-fight-against-gender-based-violence In the slums of Nairobi, male ‘agents of change’ are teaching men and boys how to prevent violence against women and girls in their communities. They tell News Deeply that the fight begins with challenging their own entrenched attitudes about gender. Gender-Based Violence Politics and Policy Fri, 01 Dec 2017 11:23:19 +0000 Sutirtha Sahariah https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/01/pressure-grows-to-make-marital-rape-a-criminal-offense-in-india https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/01/pressure-grows-to-make-marital-rape-a-criminal-offense-in-india The Delhi High Court is hearing petitions on whether to criminalize marital rape in India, a country where acts of sexual violence by husbands are 40 times more common than those committed by anyone else. Crisis and Conflict Gender-Based Violence Wed, 29 Nov 2017 04:41:00 +0000 Gethin Chamberlain, Kate Lumsden https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/29/married-at-14-after-losing-everything-to-the-climate-rutes-story https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/29/married-at-14-after-losing-everything-to-the-climate-rutes-story Illustrator Kate Lumsden and journalist Gethin Chamberlain tell the story of Rute Fumulani, forced to marry at 14 after losing her parents to catastrophic flooding. She is one of many girls forced to marry due to the effects of climate change. Crisis and Conflict Gender-Based Violence Wed, 29 Nov 2017 03:00:40 +0000 Rumbi Chakamba https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/29/even-in-conflict-areas-the-greatest-danger-to-a-woman-is-her-partner https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/29/even-in-conflict-areas-the-greatest-danger-to-a-woman-is-her-partner While the world focuses on sexual violence perpetrated by clashing groups in conflict zones, researchers are warning that the real danger to women is being ignored: violence from their husbands, fathers and other men they know. Crisis and Conflict Gender-Based Violence Tue, 28 Nov 2017 07:02:20 +0000 William Davies https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/28/starved-and-beaten-the-cost-of-refusing-to-be-a-boko-haram-bomber https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/28/starved-and-beaten-the-cost-of-refusing-to-be-a-boko-haram-bomber Since 2009, Boko Haram insurgents have kidnapped thousands of women and girls in Nigeria, some of whom are only escaping now. One survivor who managed to escape tells of how the terrorist group denied her food and beat her for refusing to become a suicide bomber. Crisis and Conflict Gender-Based Violence Mon, 27 Nov 2017 03:00:24 +0000 Sarah Hayley Barrett https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/27/lgbt-community-the-forgotten-targets-of-colombias-civil-war https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/27/lgbt-community-the-forgotten-targets-of-colombias-civil-war During the half century of armed conflict between the government and guerrilla fighters, many members of Colombia’s LGBT community were victims of violence and sexual assault. Now the government is dragging its feet on their demands for reparations. Crisis and Conflict Gender-Based Violence Fri, 24 Nov 2017 03:00:03 +0000 Lizzie Porter https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/24/20-years-after-bosnian-war-rape-survivors-still-live-with-trauma https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/24/20-years-after-bosnian-war-rape-survivors-still-live-with-trauma Former Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladic has been convicted of crimes committed during the 1990s Bosnian conflict, including mass rapes by his troops. The survivors of sexual violence from that time still endure mental and physical health problems today. Crisis and Conflict Gender-Based Violence Solutions Thu, 16 Nov 2017 10:13:26 +0000 Katie Arnold https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/16/rohingya-women-and-girls-fleeing-rape-find-solace-in-safe-spaces https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/16/rohingya-women-and-girls-fleeing-rape-find-solace-in-safe-spaces In the Rohingya refugee camps of southern Bangladesh, women-only support centers run by volunteers offer a safe space for those who have survived violence during Myanmar’s brutal military campaign. Culture Gender-Based Violence Wed, 01 Nov 2017 13:57:12 +0000 Angelika Albaladejo https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/01/street-artists-challenge-sexism-with-spray-paint-in-colombias-cities https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/01/street-artists-challenge-sexism-with-spray-paint-in-colombias-cities Female street artists in Colombia are using the once male-dominated art form to challenge preconceptions about gender and race, and combat violence against women. Gender-Based Violence Politics and Policy Tue, 31 Oct 2017 13:35:54 +0000 Nina Teggarty https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/31/without-legal-support-abused-kyrgyz-women-have-turned-to-murder https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/31/without-legal-support-abused-kyrgyz-women-have-turned-to-murder Most of the women jailed in Kyrgyzstan for murder are survivors of long-term domestic violence. A new law offers hope that more women will see their abusers brought to justice long before they are pushed to the breaking point. Gender-Based Violence Solutions Wed, 25 Oct 2017 12:06:44 +0000 Jillian Kestler-D’Amours https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/25/mauritanias-veterans-in-the-fight-against-sexual-violence https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/25/mauritanias-veterans-in-the-fight-against-sexual-violence Since the El Wafa center opened to help survivors of sexual violence 15 years ago, women in Mauritania are more willing to come forward, but weak legislation and cultural taboos mean many are still suffering in silence. Gender-Based Violence Politics and Policy Mon, 23 Oct 2017 13:23:09 +0000 Krithika Varagur https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/23/women-still-face-abuse-after-indonesias-ban-on-migrant-work-in-gulf https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/23/women-still-face-abuse-after-indonesias-ban-on-migrant-work-in-gulf Indonesia has banned its citizens from migrating to 21 Middle Eastern countries for work. But the women of Lombok are still heading to the Gulf in search of jobs, and may be even more vulnerable than before. Crisis and Conflict Gender-Based Violence Thu, 12 Oct 2017 15:50:17 +0000 Megan Clement, Fabíola Ortiz https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/12/how-a-drc-surgeon-became-a-global-advocate-for-rape-survivors https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/12/how-a-drc-surgeon-became-a-global-advocate-for-rape-survivors Through his holistic approach to treating women who have been subject to sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr. Denis Mukwege not only heals their wounds, but also helps survivors find the strength they need to fight for justice. Education Gender-Based Violence Health Solutions Wed, 11 Oct 2017 13:24:58 +0000 Megan Clement https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/11/how-the-world-needs-to-get-better-for-girls https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/11/how-the-world-needs-to-get-better-for-girls On International Day of the Girl Child, we reflect on how much the international community still owes the girls of this world and why we need to make their voices heard. Gender-Based Violence Politics and Policy Wed, 11 Oct 2017 12:12:35 +0000 Jihii Jolly https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/10/11/fgm-campaigner-leyla-hussein-on-why-genital-cutting-is-a-global-problem https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/10/11/fgm-campaigner-leyla-hussein-on-why-genital-cutting-is-a-global-problem Campaigner Leyla Hussein spoke with News Deeply about her work to end FGM in the U.K., her concerns for the U.S., and how working with families can change the root cause of oppression against girls. Gender-Based Violence Health Solutions Wed, 11 Oct 2017 09:19:34 +0000 Thomas Bwire https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/11/out-of-the-box-giving-voice-to-schoolgirls-in-kenyas-kibera-slum https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/11/out-of-the-box-giving-voice-to-schoolgirls-in-kenyas-kibera-slum For many girls, enduring a personal problem means suffering in silence. But a school-based program in the Kibera informal settlement in Nairobi lets girls share their secrets and get help using just a piece of paper and a wooden box. Gender-Based Violence Thu, 05 Oct 2017 14:58:46 +0000 Megan Clement, Jihii Jolly https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/05/deeply-talks-why-70-of-people-in-modern-slavery-are-women-and-girls https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/05/deeply-talks-why-70-of-people-in-modern-slavery-are-women-and-girls Women & Girls speaks with Katharine Bryant, research manager at the Walk Free Foundation, and modern slavery expert James Cockayne of United Nations University, about new figures that demonstrate the vast majority of people in slavery are women and girls. Gender-Based Violence Thu, 05 Oct 2017 14:43:47 +0000 Jihii Jolly https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/10/05/expert-views-how-to-spend-500m-euros-to-end-violence-against-women https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/10/05/expert-views-how-to-spend-500m-euros-to-end-violence-against-women The European Union and United Nations have launched a spotlight initiative to eliminate violence against women, toward which the E.U. has pledged 500 million euros. Women & Girls asked three gender-based violence experts what they would like to see happen with this money. Gender-Based Violence Thu, 05 Oct 2017 09:16:02 +0000 Amy Fallon https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/05/soft-targets-spate-of-killings-in-uganda-has-women-living-in-fear https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/05/soft-targets-spate-of-killings-in-uganda-has-women-living-in-fear At least 23 women have been murdered in Uganda’s Wakiso District over the past five months. Activists and critics say the killings expose a double standard in how police investigate crimes and are demanding that authorities do more to protect and get justice for women. Education Gender-Based Violence Solutions Fri, 22 Sep 2017 08:54:26 +0000 William Davies, Jihii Jolly https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/22/when-girls-get-strong-the-kung-fu-nuns-who-teach-self-defense https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/22/when-girls-get-strong-the-kung-fu-nuns-who-teach-self-defense Nuns from the Drukpa lineage of Buddhism are known for their strength, athletic ability and humanitarian relief work. By example, they are teaching conservative villages that girls should be nurtured and supported. Gender-Based Violence Health Tue, 12 Sep 2017 09:45:33 +0000 Francesca Mannocchi https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/12/i-was-full-of-shame-one-womans-story-of-being-trafficked-to-italy https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/12/i-was-full-of-shame-one-womans-story-of-being-trafficked-to-italy Last year, the number of women making the journey from Nigeria to Italy, via Libya, was almost double that of the year before. But in their attempt to escape crippling poverty, the women end up caught in trafficking rings, abused and exploited. Gender-Based Violence Heroes Solutions Thu, 07 Sep 2017 07:30:39 +0000 Suparna Gangal https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/07/at-an-indian-cafe-acid-attack-survivors-find-solace-and-pride https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/07/at-an-indian-cafe-acid-attack-survivors-find-solace-and-pride At Sheroes Cafe in India, the staff are all women who have survived acid attacks. Once confined to their homes, the women now refuse to let their physical scars stop them from living their lives.