A recent New York Times article drew national media attention to sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where rape is widespread and used as a weapon of war, and described how women are raising their voices to address the problem. Unfortunately, what is happening in the Congo is not uncommon - violence against women and children, particularly sexual violence, increases dramatically in conflict situations and increases women’s poverty. As their family members and neighbors are killed or kidnapped, more and more women are forced to become the sole head of household bearing full economic responsibility for their children, elders, extended family, and, in many cases, orphans of friends. In the Congo, for example it is estimated that 60 to 80 percent of women have
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High levels of gender-based violence (GBV) and unequal property rights for women are contributing to Zambia's HIV/AIDS crisis, according to a new Human Rights Watch report.
According to a new report by global watch dog group, Human Rights Watch, gender-based violence and unequal property rights are preventing Zambian women from accessing life-saving treatment for HIV/AIDS.
According to the 96-page report, “Hidden in the Mealie Meal: Gender-Based Abuses and Women’s HIV Treatment in Zambia,” the Zambian government has "fallen short of its international legal obligations to combat violence and discrimination against women. The report details abuses that obstruct women’s ability to start and adhere to HIV treatment regimens, including violence against women and insecure
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