The Pixel Project VAW e-News Digest: Edition 36

Welcome to the 36th edition of The Pixel Project’s VAW e-News Digest! As usual, we bring you the latest and most relevant news related to violence against women and efforts at eradicating it from around the world.

The words “jihad” and “Islam” are closely associated with violence but a group of British Muslim women wants to change that. After a two-day London conference in early June 2011, the organisation Inspire launched the campaign “jihad against violence.” Basing arguments on the Koran, they will be producing scholarly works and other materials for distribution to counteract conservative Muslim ideas about the treatment of women. Alongside this, they are also working to pressure community leaders to confront “taboo” issues such as violence and subjugation of women.

The dangerous complications of female genital mutilation are now being better understood both by the communities that practice it and countries outside Africa who are affected by it. On the June 7, 2011, the Swiss parliament unanimously agreed to outlaw female genital mutilation in Switzerland. Those found guilty of either carrying out or encouraging female circumcision, whether in Switzerland or abroad, will face up to ten years in prison with substantial fines. In Gambia on June 13, 2011, thousands of people gathered to witness 117 communities from the Upper River Region openly declare their abandonment of female genital mutilation along with other harmful traditional practices, such as early and forced marriage.

Every contribution matters. If you have any news you’d like to share concerning violence against women, reach Karina at karina.tayag@gmail.com. If you prefer to receive up-to-the-minute news concerning violence against women, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/thepixelproject. It’s time to stop violence against women. Together. Regards, The Pixel Project Team
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General Violence Against Women News
New Plan to Tackle Violence Against Women in Sommerset
UN Sharply Critical of US on Women’s Rights
ADDRESSING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS: SPEECH FROM THE THRONE
Women Seek Solution to Violence Against Them
Indian Girls “Missing” Worldwide
British Muslim Women Launch ‘Jihad Against Violence’
Africa: Power, Privilege and Violence and Injustice Against Women
Five Questions for Todd Minerson