From Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in PA (https://www.lutheranadvocacypa.org/):
Urge your representative to co-sponsor the Safe from the Start Act at the ELCA Action Center. (NOTE: You do not need to be Lutheran to use this link!)
On March 8, Lutherans and communities across the world will commemorate International Women’s Day, an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and accelerate global equality for women and girls. It is also an opportune time to consider additional policy measures to address remaining challenges women around the world continue to contend with, such as gender-based violence. Gender-based violence is a pernicious issue in many communities, thus we must work harder to end it.
A bipartisan group of legislators in the House of Representatives has introduced Safe from the Start Act of 2019 (H.R. 4092), a bill that seeks to prevent gender-based violence and provide early interventions at the onset of humanitarian emergencies. Introduced by Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL), Grace Meng (D-NY), Chris Stewart (R-UT), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), the Safe from the Start Act will codify the Safe from the Start initiative currently administered by the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Aid (USAID). Among other things, this initiative provides training and integrates important interventions to mitigate risks for gender-based violence in all humanitarian sectors. In addition, the Safe from the Start Act will enhance partnerships with local organizations to increase capacity; update objectives for protection and empowerment of women and girls; and institute congressional reporting requirements to ensure progress and accountability.
Globally, an estimated 1 in 3 women have experienced physical, sexual or psychological abuse in their lifetime. Gender-based violence increases during conflict and humanitarian crises. For example, the United Nations reports that 1 in 5 refugees or internally displaced women living in humanitarian crisis have experienced sexual abuse. In conflict situations, gender-based violence is sometimes used as a weapon of war. For a long time, the international community failed to effectively prevent and respond to gender-based violence at the onset of humanitarian emergencies. Initiatives such as Safe from the Start and the Global Call to Action on Protection from Gender-based Violence in Emergencies have moved this issue at the forefront of humanitarian work. It is crucial to ensure this transformative work continues.
The ELCA social message on gender-based violence notes “People continue to be harmed. Gender-based violence is a global evil that marks millions of lives.” God continues to call us to engage in efforts to end gender-based violence in our churches and communities—both here at home and abroad. In the social statement Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action, the ELCA commits itself to “advocate for and support laws, policies, and practices that respect diverse bodies rather than discriminating against, objectifying, or devaluing them. Women, girls, and people who identify as non-binary must not be deprived of their human or civil rights.”
As we mark International Women’s Day, please stand in solidarity with girls and women and urge your representative to co-sponsor the the Safe from the Start Act.
Thank you for your Advocacy!
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