Introduction from the Human Rights Team: We are proud to present this article from Loretta Simon Helms, a long-time supporter of Safe Spaces. In Kenya, drought forced rural people to migrate to the urban city of Nairobi seeking a better life. However, with climate change patterns, the same people are displaced...
“Violence against older persons is a global phenomenon ... such violence and abuse often go unnoticed and remain a taboo in many societies.” – UN independent expert Claudia Mahler
The United Nations defines an older person as aged 60 years and older, recognizing that ageing definitions vary depending on...
Prostitution, often euphemistically referred to as “sex work,” is a complex and contentious issue that lies at the intersection of human rights, gender equality and socioeconomic factors. While some argue for its legalization and regulation, the harsh realities of this industry paint a grim picture of exploitation, violence and human rights violations.
Sustainability, corporate responsibility and greenwashing (conveying a false impression or misleading information about how a company’s products are environmentally sound) are the buzzwords of the fashion world today, but the reality of being an ethical consumer and producer is far more complicated than most realize. What challenges are textile workers facing today? What challenges stand in...
Some argue that “human trafficking” and “human slavery” are two different things. Academics aside, if you consider that in both cases the person loses their freedom, is subject to abuse and does not get paid, they are close enough to being the same thing. Both result in victims.
The UN definition for human trafficking includes...
This article examines the intersection of human trafficking with climate change, conflict, COVID-19 and technology. Challenges often bring opportunities, so we will conclude with positive impacts.
In 2021, climate-related disasters led to the displacement of nearly 24 million people globally. The adverse impacts of climate change...
Ending Violence Against Women is a Committee of the Human Rights Team, addressing issues of domestic violence and sex trafficking, as well as other forms of violence against women. The Ending Violence Team was created in April 2008 to address issues of domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual exploitation in order to increase awareness and empower those women and children affected. Over the years, the Team has put a spotlight on the issues to get people talking about them. We also promote tangible actions that we can all take to help eradicate these forms of violence. When you look at the facts you see that we still have a long way to go.
1 in 3 women has been sexually assaulted in her lifetime;
Rape continues to be used as a weapon during war and conflict;
Globalization and climate change are having the most profound impacts on women and children who are disproportionately displaced and left without options;
Gender-based violence is an affliction that millions of women and children suffer in silence and shame. Many become victimized by those who are supposed to love and protect them.
Please share these three one-page information sheets on issues of Domestic Violence, how you can help victims of Domestic Violence, and global issues of Violence Against Women with your club members.
For a worldwide listing of domestic violence agencies, see the Hot Peaches website.
You'll find a link to the Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center (AODVC) website on our homepage under Domestic Violence.
For more information or to get involved, contact the Committee Co-Chairs.
Co-Chair, Global Issues, Tonya Teichert at .
Tonya Teichert (AWC The Taunus)
Co-Chair, Global Issues
Co-Chair, Domestic Violence and AODVC Liaison, Karen Lewis at aodvc@fawco.org.
Karen Lewis (FAUSA)
Co-Chair, Domestic Violence and AODVC Liaison
Women Peace and Security is a committee within the Human Rights Team. Its goal is to raise awareness about violence against women in conflict zones and the role of women in the peace-keeping process.
The theme of women and conflict resonates with the very origins of FAWCO. According to The Red Book, FAWCO: A History 1931-2011:
Caroline Curtis Brown founded FAWCO on the belief that "enlightened women, working cooperatively throughout the world, could do much to help achieve permanent international peace; and that this was especially true of American women living abroad who had acquired special experience in living in foreign lands among foreign people and foreign customs. Their American clubs not only provided a home away from home, she felt, but also served to promote sympathetic awareness of the needs and problems in countries other than the United States." Our founder's words are perhaps even more relevant today than in her own time. In our globally connected world, wars have a real impact on the lives of all of us, even when they occur in a distant land. A peaceful world benefits everyone.