Take action on International Women's Day: Ask your Senators to support IVAWA

Today, March 8, is International Women's Day.

So I think this is a good time to take action on behalf of women worldwide, and urge your Senators to co-sponsor S.2279, the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA).

Below is some info on the bill from the National Organization for Women (NOW), along with a couple of links you can click to take action online.

Urge Your Senators to Co-Sponsor International VAWA
Help End Violence Against Women Worldwide

Action needed: Please contact your Senators and urge them to co-sponsor the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA).

IVAWA (S. 2279) was introduced by Sens. Joseph Biden (D-Del.) and Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) last fall, and is pending in the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

Take Action NOW!

Background:

According to the World Health Organization, one in three women in the world experiences some violence in her lifetime. It is stated U.S. policy to promote women's civil and human rights and opportunities throughout the world and to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. The International Violence Against Women Act addresses gender-based violence in its many forms -- including rape, domestic violence, sexual violence, genital mutilation, forced and child marriage, "honor" killings, dowry related violence and human trafficking -- both directly and comprehensively.

This legislation streamlines federal efforts by centralizing all U.S. policy and programs related to international women's issues in a new Office for Women's Global Initiatives at the State Department. The bill requires the department to develop a five-year comprehensive strategy to fight violence against women in 10 to 20 countries. It authorizes an annual funding stream of $175 million to support coordinated programs in the areas of legal reform, health care, economic empowerment, educational opportunities and public awareness. The bill also strengthens the protection of women and girls when violence is used as a weapon of intimidation and abuse in situations of armed conflict.

Women around the world are counting on the U.S. government to take the lead in the international effort to end violence against women. What can you do?

Thank your senators if they are already sponsors and urge others to sign on right away! Our automated system will provide the appropriate sample message, which you can edit if you wish.

Take Action NOW!