Gender equality is the key to ending poverty, as it opens the doors of education, and helps to close the door on gender based violence. The key to a prosperous future lies in the lives of generations of girls and ensuring they have equal rights and access, especially in regards to healthcare and education.
Thus we must end the perception that violations such as violence, slavery, and rape are common, and make it unacceptable for gender inequality to continue to thrive. In order to do this there are three main areas of focus; One the issue of gender inequality and bias must be removed in all countries, when such programs are in place at peace time it will significantly reduce the stigma and use of rape and GBV in times of conflict. Two, there must be a unified international response against such acts as the use of rape as a weapon of war, and thus strategies of prevention and awareness must be put into place, including in IDP camps and in times of post conflict. Three, impunity must end or victims will continue to remain silent and not seek medical, psychological or legal attention if they feel there is no retribution or care for which they are safe to receive.
This week I had the opportunity to attend one of CARE ‘s special events and presentation of Half the SkyLive, which was held in some 500 movie theaters across the country. The cross-country event was launched as the book, Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, has inspired what has become a movement to increase awareness on global gender inequality and violence. Written by author and New York Times Columnist, Nicholas Kristof, and wife Sheryl WuDunn, who is also married to Kristof, and together the two have won a Pulitzer, the book has taken the the once silent stories of abuse, triumphs and tribulations, and given them an unstoppable voice.
Teaming with CARE, a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty, who’s investment in women is paramount;
“We place special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE’s community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources.”
The event featured an array of female singers using their voices to inspire and empower, celebrity readings from the book, and a panel of experts led by the books authors. The event also featured the world premiere of “Woinshet,” a powerful short documentary co-directed by Academy Award® winner Marisa Tomei, which chronicles the struggles of a young Ethiopian girl who triumphs over rape and forced marriage.
Woinshet’s story is one that has all to often been fought in silence, as she is one of all too many who have been victimized by ‘Bride Abductions’. Brutally raped, then abducted once again, each time fighting with determination and strength, and with the support of her father and brother she never gave up her fight to escape the marriage forced upon her and see justice for her rapes was found. But Woinshet did more than fight for her rights, she now continues to educate and fight for the rights of women and girls across the country and see that bride abductions are a thing of the past. While such acts of abduction and forced marriage have been criminalized in 2004 (punishable with 3-10 years incarceration), the laws have not been enforced in many more rural regions of the country, where some have levels of marriage by abduction as high as 80% Abduction has been seen as a legitimate way of ensuring a bride in southern Ethiopia for so centuries. The girl is kidnapped, held hostage, and raped, all of which ensure that now she can be claimed as no longer a virgin, and often pregnant, she will no be claimed or desired by another. In 2008 CARE Ethiopia launched, ‘Healthy Unions: Behavioural Change to Eliminate Bride Price, Bride Abduction, and Early Marriage in Ethiopia’ in collaboration with the National Committee on Traditional Practices of Ethiopia.
Woinshet’s story and all those in Half the Sky, highlight that the promotion of the rights of girls around the world, must be rooted in education and development. These stories show the power of education, not only the education of women and girls, but entire communities, including men and boys. For if we are to see an end to gender discrimination and violence men and boys are essential to fast-tracking progress. Such examples of inconceivable strength show the immense power that one voice can have to raise others to speak and be heard. Thus we must ensure that we are listening, for if no one is listening, no one will talk. If one is to step forward and ask victims to come out then they must be willing to not only listen to their stories, but to provide them with care and support in both the short and long term, including providing physical and financial access to such services. Thus it is essential to see that rule of law is truly put into place to protect and secure the rights of women and girls across the developing world.
Change does not happen behind locked doors in dark rooms, it does not happen in silence!
