Violence against women - a human rights abuse

From London, Amnesty International, Secretary General, Irene Khan has marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with a public statement reminding us that neither violence against women nor women over-represented in poverty are inevitable facets of life.

16 Days - there’s ACTION in your area

During November and December we are hosting stalls, speakers, picnics, lunches - events all across the nation to celebrate the 2008 16 Days of Activism. Come along, take action to stop violence against women.

Sign the UNIFEM one million signature petition

Add your voice to the UN Development Fund for Women's (UNIFEM's) petition to say no to violence against women, and watch an address by UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman.

Update

Unifem received 5,066,549 signatures to their petition, presented on 25 November 2008! THANK YOU to all who took part. Find out more

Act now: Help shape Australian policy

The Australian Government is drafting a National Plan of Action to reduce violence against women. Make sure they get it right by contacting your local MP.

National Plan of Action - make it a success

The drafting of the National Plan of Action to combat violence against women and children is a great step for Australia. But now it is critical that we get the details right.

Women and HIV AIDS

Over 30 million people in the world are living with HIV / AIDS, 50% of these are women, more in some countries.

Celebrate 25 November - White Ribbon Day

November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Domestic violence - the fear and the fatalities

This audiovisual feature by the Sydney Morning Herald shows the stories of 3 women who have suffered domestic violence and presents the reality of lives lived in fear.

Women enslaved across the world.

December 2 marks the United Nations International Day for the Abolition of Slavery.

Get involved

Kavira Muraulu is a farmer in the DR Congo who was bayoneted in the stomach after she complained about being raped by a soldier.

Violence against women has to end. Please give to Amnesty International so that we can continue to campaign for the rights of women.

16 Days of Activism… why, what, how?

From 25 November to 10 December, thousands of people all over the world will take a stand against gender-based violence.

Australian teenagers living with violence

The White Ribbon Foundation has released the report 'An Assault on Our Future' showing that more than half a million teenagers are living with violence in their homes.

Taiwan calls for ‘comfort women’ apology

Taiwain's parliament is the latest to call on the Japanese Government to provide a formal apology and compensation to the 'comfort women'.

Women and children suffer as violence in the Congo escalates

Women and children are over-represented targets of current unrest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
UPDATE - UN meeting now on 11 November - ACT NOW

Nepali human rights defender in danger - ACT NOW

Defender of women’s rights in danger Nepalese counselor Rita Mahato has been threatened with rape and death – she risks her life for her work.

National Plan of Action report released and next steps

Amnesty International has released a report that could provide a blueprint for an Australian National Plan of Action to eliminate violence against women. Drawing on international experience, the report frames a good practice human rights approach to the national plan.

Education is a human right for every girl

For girls all around the world schools are not places of learning, but places of intimidation, fear and violence.

UN calls on Japan to restore dignity for ‘comfort women’

The UN Human Rights Committee has called on the Government of the Japan to accept its responsibility for the system of military sexual slavery in operation during World War II.

Do you agree with today’s opinion piece in The Age?

Amnesty International's Executive Deputy Secretary General writes from London on Australia's slow progress in addressing issues of violence against women.

Girl stoned to death, Somalia

A 13 year old year old girl was publicly stoned to death on 27 October after attempting to report that she had been raped by 3 men.