WHY GENDER BASED VIOLENCE?

Every ten minutes, somewhere in the world, an adolescent girl dies as a result of violence. Gender-based violence is the term used to capture any act that causes physical, sexual, or emotional harm and reinforces gender inequality. Violence against women and girls can take on many forms and is present in all parts of the world. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 30 percent of women worldwide have experienced gender based violence. The girls and women who survive rape, beatings, and other forms of gender-based violence, are often stigmatized and isolated from their families and communities. Yet the effects of gender-based violence spread far beyond the women and girls who are directly abused. The impunity enjoyed by perpetrators and the fear generated by their actions have an effect on all women and girls. Gender-based violence also has a negative impact at a global level, stunting the contributions women and girls can make to international development and progress. 

OUR IMPACT

While issues of gender inequality and violence seem overwhelming, there are things we can do. We recognize the importance of holistic aftercare for survivors of gender-based violence and partner with organizations who are working to empower women and girls to overcome the physical, social, psychological, and emotional abuse they have experienced so that these women may lead healthy and happy lives. ODW is coming alongside women through supporting holistic services such as counseling, physical and emotional healing, vocational skills development, and training community leaders to be advocates.