International Violence Against Women Act

by Nancy R. Koerner
© 2008 – All Rights Reserved

This is not the Dark Ages, but dare to peek beneath the decorum of international politics and you will discover that, even today, there are dozens of countries all over the world who still allow, or even encourage, the beating, burning, beheading, rape, forced prostitution, and mutilation of women. In keeping with the male-dominated societal norms or religious beliefs, they scoff at the proposition of humanitarian reforms within their own country. And so, for hundreds of thousands of women worldwide – abused, oppressed, their cries unheard – there is no recourse. Tragically, their very lives depend on some kind of intervention, be it legal or divine. Until now, they have languished in vain.

U.S. Senators Joe Biden and Richard Lugar have now instituted groundbreaking legislation with the International Violence Against Women Act which will provide approximately $1 billion over the next five years in U.S. foreign assistance for long-term prevention of domestic violence abroad. This includes both governmental and non-governmental programs for economic development, the readjustment of public attitude, and various social, legal, and health reforms. The overall initiative will have a major impact on the horrifying abuses present in foreign nations today and strive to end, once and for all, violence against women on a worldwide basis. Working through an already established network of international assistance, this act will help support our most edifying practices abroad and address issues of domestic violence as part-and-parcel of our diplomatic relations. Of course, helping a developing nation to reach this level of intellectual understanding requires the dedication of at least a few enlightened individuals blessed with both vision and clarity. There is an intense need for procedures that are designed to cut through governmental red tape. It is vital to encourage sex discrimination rulings to boost women’s participation in this process, not only in political movement, but also in educational administration. The elements of poverty, substandard housing, disadvantaged geographical locations, plus the invisibility of women within the social strata must be addressed in order to break the ongoing cycle of endless chaos, psychological paralysis, and utter despair.

We cannot continue to give hypocritical lip-service to lofty thoughts of well-intentioned altruism. Now begins a new opportunity that will actually make a difference. The International Violence Against Women Act will, at last, provide a practical vehicle for the remediation of suffering throughout the world, and provide life-changing legislation that will impact women’s rights on a global scale.

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Nancy R. Koerner is the author of Belize Survivor: Darker Side of Paradise, her own true story and exposé of unspeakable domestic violence against a contrasting backdrop of magnificent tropical splendor in a foreign land. http://www.belizesurvivor.com As a passionate activist, her mission is to empower women to make the brave and often impossibly painful choices that will lead to their own redemption and autonomy.