16 Days of Activism: add your voice against violence

24 November 2009

CARE International’s Voices Against Violence campaign calls for an end to rape as a weapon of war, and for protection from violence for women who live in conflict zones. Tragically, rape is widely used as a war tactic to brutalise women and terrorise communities. In just one province of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for example, 40 women are raped every day.

Wasso, 25, is a beneficiary of CARE’s Wakinamama savings and loans scheme in DRC. She was brutally raped by soldiers who then killed her husband and parents, and then kidnapped her and held her in the forest for over a year.  Wasso is trying to put her life back together. Against the odds, she says: “With support from CARE's Wakinamama project, I’ve been able to meet other women who've experienced violence, and move on”.

CARE is calling for the immediate implementation of UN Resolution 1888, which commits to protecting women like Marie-Claire from sexual violence in conflict, and providing support to survivors.

During the 16 Days of Activism, we are organising several events and campaign actions, including;

• An event with MPs and Ministers on how the government can lead the way in implementing the UN Resolution - come along and join the discussion;
• A visit to Uganda to meet women activists who are marching from their home in the conflict affected north, to Kampala, to raise issues about sexual violence with the government. Look out for pictures and reports of the visit, and testimonies from the Ugandan activists. Find out more.
• Campaigners taking action around the UK, with support from our new Campaigners’ Toolkit.

Visit our campaign page now, and find out how to get involved. Now is the time to join the campaign and add your voice against violence.