Violence Against Women

Women's struggle for freedom from violence in the home, on the streets and in the workplace has existed throughout history. Violence against women and girls is a measure of women's vulnerability in society and serves to perpetuate inequality. As long as women live in fear, they will never be able to fully engage in the social, political and economic development of their communities.

Violence against women is a unique challenge because women cannot seek safety in their homes. Indeed, most violence against women occurs at the hands of an intimate acquaintance or family member. Such violence includes sexual harassment, domestic violence, incest, rape, "honor" killings, dowry murders, acid disfigurement and the mutilation of a woman's genitals. The violence can be deeply ingrained in local culture and is often justified by religious or traditional practices.

Violence during wartime also targets women and girls. Occupying armies often use rape as a weapon of war. Militias assigned to monitor refugee camps have taken sexual advantage of female residents. And civilians -- mostly women and children -- are now the vast majority of victims during military conflicts.

The Global Fund for Women makes grants to help women build more peaceful communities. Our grants respond to the short-term consequences of personal and societal violence through support for shelters, legal assistance and counseling. Our grants also promote long-term solutions, such as changing public attitudes that condone violence or running legislative advocacy campaigns. Global Fund grants also support women's efforts to find peaceful means to resolve military and civil conflicts.