News

Women's shelters in 44 countries report realities in Global Count 2012

2012 GNWS Global Shelter Data Count report cover On International Women's Day 2013, the Global Network of Women's Shelters released the findings of its 2012 Global Data Count. Highlighting the vital roles of participating women's shelters and shelter networks in 44 countries, the report describes barriers and successes faced by women and children and the women's shelters that help them. The Report's statistics and themes reflect the courage and resilience of the 106,108 women and children who sought refuge from domestic violence and other abuse at participating shelters worldwide. This included 1,133 women known to be pregnant who requested shelter on the count day.

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International Women's Day 2013

"A Promise is a Promise: Time for action to end violence against women" echoed across continents as women and girls celebrated progress and spoke out about the violence and other violations women and girls continue to endure in every community worldwide. See slideshows highlighting women's achievements and struggles, find out how African feminists have changed the world, and read feminist opinions on global priorities.

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Join Women's Shelters in Calling Upon Governments To Take Action

We, the Global Network of Women's Shelters, call upon All Governments to develop and support targeted actions to prevent and respond to violence against women and children. Join women's shelters in our global Call to Action. Learn how you can be involved! 

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Women's Shelters at UN CSW57 Meeting to Stop Violence Against Women and Girls

Stopping Violence Against Women and Girls is the priority of the United Nation's Commission on the Status of Women's (CSW) 57th annual meeting from 4 to 15 March 2013. GNWS representatives ar presenting and participating in discussions focusing on prevention of violence and the provision of support services and responses to survivors of violence.

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Michelle Bachelet's Message on International Day for Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation

"Today UN Women joins women and men, boys and girls around the world in a call to action for zero tolerance for female genital mutilation (FGM). The adoption of the landmark resolution banning female genital mutilation by the UN General Assembly this past December 2012 is a step in the right direction"...."FGM is a violation of human rights that poses serious health threats and can be fatal. Nearly 140 million women and girls worldwide are living with FGM and some three million more remain at risk every year."

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A Promise is a Promise: UN issues call to a to end violence against women

Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread violations of human rights. In some countries, up to 7 in 10 women will be beaten, raped, abused or mutilated in their lifetimes. “A promise is A Promise” is a call from the United Nations to Governments and leaders to translate international promises into concrete action in their countries.

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16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign Addresses Militarism

Between November 25th and December 10th, women's shelters and crisis centres on every continent are engaging communities as part of the vibrant annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign. The 2012 campaign theme is: From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Violence Against Women! The impact of militarism on violence against women is a critical issue for many women and children who seek support at the women's centres, shelters and networks that created GNWS. The impact of the rape of women as a war tactic has far reaching consequences to communities. For example, women in Rwanda

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