Iraqi Women and Girls Face Gender-based Violence amidst Conflicts

Posted on by 施達基金會

Iraq is experiencing one of the largest internal population displacements in the world and the recent surge in sectarian violence threatens to unleash a wave of new violence against women and girls.

Since the beginning of 2014, the UN estimates as many as 1.2 million people have been uprooted due to fighting between militants from Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ISIS), local Sunni tribes, Shia militias and the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF).

According to the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), more than 7,000 people were killed in the last six months and more than 13,000 injured. In the month of June alone, UNAMI recorded 2,417 deaths and 2,287 injuries. This is the highest month of casualty rate since 2007, the peak of Iraq’s sectarian civil war in the aftermath of the 2003 US-led invasion.

Shortly after the conquest of Mosul, the second largest city in Iraq, ISIS militants armed with assault rifles went door to door taking “women who are not owned” for Jihad Al-Nikad, or sex jihad. In just one week (Jun 9 – 12), women’s rights activists documented 13 cases of women who were kidnapped and raped by the militants who also forced men to watch the rape of their wives, daughters and sisters. Of the 13 women, four of them committed suicide out of shame; one woman’s brother even committed suicide because he could not bear the guilt of his inability to protect his sister.

Before the conflicts, it was already difficult being a woman in Iraq, but the current wave of conflicts threatens to make life even worse for them. UN Population Fund (UNFPA) warned at the beginning of this month that an estimated 20,000 women and girls in Iraq are at an increased risk of sexual violence as a result of the mounting crisis in the north and west. It also raised public attention that the violence in northern Iraq in the past month has displaced approximately one million people, in which there are 250,000 women and girls, and including nearly 60, 000 pregnant women, are all in need of urgent health care and protection.

Women and girls have often been the center of sexual and gender-based violence amidst conflicts around the world. Let us pray for the displaced people of Iraq, especially for women and girls who are most vulnerable amidst conflicts. [IPS, UN]


Meditation on Scriptures:

‘You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted;
You encourage them, and You listen to their cry,
defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.’ (Psalm 10:17-18)

Pray for Iraq that:

  • The leaders of the Iraqi government, ISIS and religious sects can actively participate in the settlement of the current conflicts in Iraq.
  • The rights of women and girls in Iraq will be protected.
  • The required support (esp. funds) in continuing life-saving humanitarian assistance will be met.
  • The Christians living in Iraq will not be persecuted amidst the sectarian conflicts.

Pray for Legal Protection Soon for Those Victims of Domestic Violence in Afghanistan

Posted on by 施達基金會

[ePrayer – Pray for Afghan government and women]

women gather in the corridor of a house

A new law that banned relatives from testifying against each other was passed by parliament in Afghanistan last month. It awaits final signature from President Hamid Karzai but arouses many concerns. However, Hamid Karzai has recently ordered changes to the draft legislation that would have silenced victims of violence. It may signal a new turn.

The new criminal code, passed by the conservative-dominated Afghan parliament, will prevent relatives of alleged abusers from testifying against them. The consequence is making prosecutions more difficult on domestic violence against women, where relatives are often the only witnesses.

Afghanistan in 2009 enacted its “Elimination of Violence Against Women law” (EVAW) which criminalises domestic violence, forced and child marriage, women persecution, practices that use females to settle disputes, assault and more than a dozen other acts of violence and abuse against women. This new Afghan law is thus a backward step in the advance towards justice.

Afghan women faced unfair treatment when the Taliban ruled the country from 1996 to 2001. It is expected that this situation will be improved after the fall of the Taliban. Yet, according to various surveys, women’s rights are still at risk. It is believe that it is an attack on women’s rights if no amendments are made. [Guardian, BBC, UN]

Meditate on Hymn:

‘By the Powers for Good’ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzqOcwYawJY)

It is the final poem of Dirtrich Bonhoeffer in 1944 and later transcribed into a hymn. This is a part of its lyrics:

‘Wonderfully secured by good powers, confidently we expect what may come. God is among us in the evening and in the morning and [so] completely certainly on each new day.’

Afghan women suffer from many difficulties, and their rights and contributions are ignored. They can only strive for their lives. It will be a long journey to see that their situations are improved. May we persist in the faith and hope in our Almighty God and constantly remember them in prayers. 

Pray for Afghan government and women, that:

  • Afghan government amends the legislation code to allow relatives testifying each other so those acting violence against women can be penalized;
  • Afghanistan makes efforts to improve its justice and human rights so women and girls’ rights are secured and legalized;
  • Afghan women will gain rights and access to education, work and decision making, developing their talents and living out their value of life and dignity.

 

Support the Community and Churches in Pakistan in Facing Domestic Violence

Posted on by 施達基金會

[ ‘SHARE’ Jan-Feb 2014 – Who Is Willing to Be Their Neighbour? ] STEP INTO THE WORLD

project

In Pakistan, women are often victims of domestic violence and they are traumatised both physically and mentally. Yet, the society they live in rarely acknowledge the situation.

CEDAR’s partner CGDC launched amongst churches in Pakistan the first ever project that focuses on women abuse, and advocates on Christian family values. It also teaches what the bible says about family violence. In the first six months of project period, CGDC provided related trainings in four churches and held a nation-wide conference against violence on women.

Partner will continue their advocacy in Pakistan seeking to eliminate any form of women abuses:

  • mobilising local churches to care for and support affected families through visits, seminars and conferences;
  • holding nation-wide conferences for more awareness on how to respond to and prevent women abuses;
  • collaborating with organisations and churches in raising community awareness and understanding of women abuses.

Please support the ministry of CGDC, bringing to the vulnerable women in Pakistan safety and dignity!

Donate Now! Click here.

Other Methods of Payment

  1. Cheque payable to ‘CEDAR FUND’
  2. Deposit to HSBC A/C No. 600-385678-001, enclosing with the Pay-in slip
  3. Autopay (only applicable to regular fixed donations), enclosing with a completed Autopay Authorisation Form (Download: WORD or PDF)
  4. Visa/ Master Card

Download Donation Form

Please send a completed Donation Form, enclosing with cheque or pay-in slip, to CEDAR FUND, G.P.O. BOX 3212, HONG KONG.

Donation Form: WORD or PDF

[1] CEDAR is an approved charitable institutions and trusts of a public character under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. Please click Inland Revenue Department website to check for details.
[2] Donations over $100 are tax deductible in Hong Kong with our receipts.
[3] Please DO NOT fax any donation information.

Concern for the Violence Against Women in Pakistan

Posted on by 施達基金會

[ePrayer – Pray for violence against women in Pakistan to cease]

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Praise God that good progress has been made so far on the Violence Against Women Prevention Project by partner CGDC. This project has set an example for churches in Pakistan to speak out on Violence Against Women (VAM) with a focus on promoting Christian family life and teaching people what the Bible says about domestic abuse. In the first 6 months, pastors in 4 churches were trained to counsel victims and deal with perpetrators; 31 field visits were conducted. A video documentary will be produced by this August, hope that it will be completed on time.

Pray for violence against women in Pakistan to cease:

  • Pray for the many visits and family counselling activities to be done;
  • Give thanks: on the First National Conference on VAW, delegates from 3 provinces participated and they found it informative and eye opening;
  • There are many requests for VAW sessions to be launched in other areas. Pray that many different district areas can join this project in the next phase.

Donate Now! Click here.

Other Methods of Payment

  1. Cheque payable to ‘CEDAR FUND’
  2. Deposit to HSBC A/C No. 600-385678-001, enclosing with the Pay-in slip
  3. Autopay (only applicable to regular fixed donations), enclosing with a completed Autopay Authorisation Form (Download: WORD or PDF)
  4. Visa/ Master Card

Download Donation Form

Please send a completed Donation Form, enclosing with cheque or pay-in slip, to CEDAR FUND, G.P.O. BOX 3212, HONG KONG.

Donation Form: WORD or PDF

[1] CEDAR is an approved charitable institutions and trusts of a public character under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. Please click Inland Revenue Department website to check for details.
[2] Donations over $100 are tax deductible in Hong Kong with our receipts.
[3] Please DO NOT fax any donation information.

Time for Action to End Violence Against Women

Posted on by 施達基金會

[ePrayer – Pray for women vulnerable to violence]

20130307_eprayer_n1

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often described as an international bill of rights for women. However, worldwide today, 603 million women live in countries where domestic violence is not yet considered a crime; up to 70% of women in the world report having experienced physical and/or sexual violence; up to 50% of sexual assaults are committed against girls under the age of 16; over 60 million girls worldwide are married before the age of 18….

The theme of this year International Women’s Day (8 March) ’A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women’ seeks to strengthen international community’s commitment to put an end to violence against women. The UN also organizes UNiTE campaign, calling on all governments, civil society, women’s organisations, men, young people, the private sector, the media, etc. to join forces in addressing this global issue. [UN]

Pray for women vulnerable to violence:

  • Pray for God’s protection and deliverance to them;
  • Pray that international society will face up to all forms of violence and discrimination against women and secure the rights and safety of women by legislation, enforcement, education, social network and assistance, etc.

CEDAR will organise a sharing on ‘Walking with Women in South Asia’ on 28 March night. Please come and join us.

Advocacy on Ending Violence Against Women in Pakistan

Posted on by 施達基金會

[ePrayer – Pray for ending violence against women in Pakistan]

20130307_eprayer_c2

On 1 and 2 March 2013 CEDAR’s partner CGDC organised a National Conference on SAY No to Violence Against Women and thank God it went very productive and fruitful. 30 delegates from 3 provinces participated in the conference. Theme tracks were: What Bible Says about Domestic Abuse, Understanding Domestic Violence, Do’s and Don’ts for supporting a victim and dealing with perpetrators, Emotional Health in Families and Christian Family Life. All delegates went back with work plans and will share the learning with other staff at work. CGDC plans to keep in touch with all delegates and also supports innovative ideas to SAY No to Violence Against Women.

Pray for ending violence against women in Pakistan:

  • Pray for follow up work and documentation after the conference;
  • Pray that delegates can effectively bring awareness to their churches, NGOs and communities, and to initiate action plan on ending violence against women in their societies.