Violence Against Women and Girls

Women Graduates–USA is a nonprofit organization whose members are college and university graduates, graduate students, doctoral candidates and post-doctoral researchers. As members of WG–USA, our members are also members of Graduate Women International; WG–USA is the US Affiliate of GWI. Our international perspective informs our advocacy for social and economic justice for all women and girls. 

Women Graduates–USA calls for
prevention and elimination of all forms of 
violence against women and girls.

Gender Based Violence is crosscutting with no boundaries for nation, culture, community, race, sexual orientation, or religion. Violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide.   It has many facets and is found in both public and private life. It takes the form of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault, violence, and harassment. 

The key to supporting women and eliminating violence against women is sustained essential services. Gender Based Violence is addressed by many resources including UN Women: Essential Services Package for Women & Girls Subject to Violence.

A sudden and severe increase of Gender Based Violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, including sexual harassment, but especially domestic violence. Exacerbating factors stem from security, health, and money concerns; cramped living conditions; isolation with abusers; movement restrictions; and deserted public spaces.

The recent COVID pandemic increased the visibility of Gender Based Violence. It’s time to work toward solutions. Developing renewed strategies to reduce and eliminate this problem is critical.

“To reduce the prevalence of the issue, it is crucial to acknowledge the extent of gender-based violence, re-imagine government policies, and support networks to make it easier for the victims to access them and, lastly, create awareness about the issue as well as the resources available to tackle it.”

 Move your advocacy to action:  Join Women Graduates–USA.