Equality Now

Despite global commitments to combat sexual violence, legal systems across various regions continue to fall short in protecting survivors and ensuring justice. As the world marks the International Day to End Violence Against Women, here are seven critical ways these laws are failing, perpetuating cycles of violence and discrimination. Want to learn more? Head to our website: https://buff.ly/4fGSBQW #16Days #NoExcuse #Consent #EndSexualViolence #TogetherWeCan #IDEVAW #16DaysOfActivism

In a rapidly changing world, the struggle for #GenderEquality and the protection of women’s and girls’ rights remain urgent, complex, and deeply intertwined with political, social, and cultural realities across the globe. As 2024 draws to a close, we have rounded up our most read articles from the year for you to reflect on what’s happened in #WomensRights across the world this year. Let’s shine a light on what’s working, learn from what’s not, and keep pushing forward together. #TogetherWeCan

Thanks to a generous match provided by our partner InMaat Foundation, gifts will be doubled up to a total of $50,000 through the end of the year. Please take advantage of this opportunity and give as generously as you can today. This work is essential and can only continue with the support of people like you. Together, we can create a gender-equal world. #EqualityNow

Today’s verdict in the case of Gisele Pelicot—a survivor of rape who has faced immense personal, societal, and legal hurdles in seeking justice—gives us hope. Gisele’s courage to speak out against a system that often places the blame on survivors, gives us strength. It gives us the strength to imagine a world where no one feels obliged to whisper about sexual violence but instead feels supported to speak out against it with courage. Where the stigma of rape moves from survivors to perpetrators. Where good laws are rightfully implemented to protect and promote all women and girls to live safe, fearless, and free. Gisele, we see you, we salute you, and we thank you. We know that together we can end sexual violence. #TogetherWeCan #GiselePelicot #EndSexualViolence #NoExcuse

Today the UN’s Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences, Reem Alsalem, released a communication dated 13 December 2024 to US President Biden regarding the lack of publication and incorporation of the Equal Rights Amendment (the ERA) into the United States Constitution as the 28th Amendment. It states, the ERA would “significantly advance sex and gender equality for women in the United States of America” and would bring the US into compliance with international law and human rights standards. This comes just hours after the US archivist issued a statement refusing to publish the Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution, the most authoritative legal instrument of the State, which still does not explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex. While we are extremely disappointed by the statement from the Archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen Shogan, and Deputy Archivist, William J. Bosanko, and their refusal to reflect the will of the people, we know that the law remains on our side. The Archivist's statement incorrectly states, "The OLC [Office of Legal Counsel] concluded that extending or removing the deadline requires new action by Congress or the courts." When in fact the OLC memo details "the 2020 OLC Opinion is not an obstacle either to Congress's ability to act with respect to ratification of the ERA or to judicial consideration...," not that new action is required. Therefore our position and resolve remain unchanged. The Archivist can and should legally publish the Equal Rights Amendment and President Biden should take action to secure his legacy by instructing the Archivist to do so. We will continue to advocate for all people in the US to be free from sex discrimination and have equality enshrined in the highest legal document in the country. Read our full response and take action at https://lnkd.in/ez5Fm8W7 #ERANow

Throwback to the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Beijing+30 Last month, Equality Now had the privilege of participating in the Asia-Pacific Beijing+30 Review in Bangkok, Thailand, alongside feminist advocates, civil society partners, and policymakers. Throughout the week, we contributed to key spaces, including the Young Feminist Forum, Civil Society Forum, and the Ministerial Conference, championing critical actions to end Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) and Child, Early, and Forced Marriage (CEFM). Our advocacy was grounded in findings from a collective advocacy brief developed with the Asia Network to End FGM/C. These platforms underscored the urgency of addressing harmful practices under the Beijing Platform for Action’s (BPfA) critical areas of concern, including the rights of the girl child and the right to health of women and girls. 📢 Key challenges we raised throughout the week included: ✅ The lack of official prevalence data on FGM/C across Asia. ✅ The rise of medicalization, which legitimizes and commercializes the harmful practice in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka. ✅ The need for greater community engagement to address gender inequality and control over women and girls’ sexuality. These critical discussions informed the recommendations captured in key outcome documents: 🔗 Beijing+30 Asia-Pacific Civil Society Consultation Report: https://lnkd.in/ey5_-d4r 🔗 Charting New Paths for Gender Equality and Empowerment: Regional Report: https://lnkd.in/eGj8pvH8 Equality Now remains committed to advancing the rights of women and girls and ensuring these recommendations translate into transformative action. #Beijing30 #EndFGM #EndChildMarriage #GenderEquality #AsiaPacific

US residents across political parties agree: it’s time for constitutional equality! A bipartisan majority supports the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), reflecting the nation’s desire for a future free from sex-based discrimination. Congress, act now to respect the will of the people and advance the ERA. The time for equality is now. Find out more at https://lnkd.in/eNB8zipf and take action at https://lnkd.in/ekd44y3Y #ERA #EqualityForAll #CongressActNow

#ICYMI: Read the latest on #GenderEquality from our teams around the world, from Washington DC to the Middle East. Want our weekly LinkedIn newsletter straight to your inbox? Subscribe on LinkedIn today. https://lnkd.in/eF6ZirX9 #FemaleGenitalMutilation #WomensRights #SexualViolence #ChildMarriage

Sexual violence impacts millions worldwide, yet it’s too often dismissed as a “woman’s issue.” The truth is, it affects us all—tearing apart communities and exposing systemic failures. Imagine a world where no one whispers about violence but instead speaks out against it with courage. Where survivors find compassion, not doubt. Where children grow up learning that respect is stronger than power. Together, we can create a world where respect triumphs over violence, and justice is accessible to all. Read more https://buff.ly/4f2o4vJ #16Days #NoExcuse #Consent #EndSexualViolence #TogetherWeCan

Child marriage is not merely a cultural practice—it’s a gateway to sexual violence, poverty, and a lifetime of trauma for millions of young girls. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, 1 in 5 girls marry before 18, and many face violence, with 70% experiencing physical or sexual abuse. Read more as Equality Now and the Hurra Coalition delve into the harrowing realities of child marriage, exposing the intrinsic link between this practice and sexual violence https://lnkd.in/e2XnqFGv #16Days #NoExcuse #Consent #EndSexualViolence #TogetherWeCan #EndChildMarriage #StopRape