At the recent Mission Congress 2010 held in Albuquerque, New Mexico from October 28th to 31st, the United States Catholic Mission Association(USCMA) met for their member meeting. As a body they voted in favor of joining the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) in supporting the International Violence Against Women Act which is before both the present House of Representatives (HR 4594 ) and the Senate (S 2982 ). Both bills are in need of more cosponsors. If more members of the House and Senate come on board and cosponsor this bill, there is hope that it may pass during this crucial lame duck session of Congress.
Every day, we read about rape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan, domestic violence, and women trafficking, and other violation of women’s rights everywhere. As a constituent, you have the power to help them regain their voices. Click here to see if you representative has cosponsored this bill and here for your Senators. If they have not cosponsored the bill, call them, identifying yourself as a constituent, ask to speak with the aide who handles foreign affairs or women’s issues. If the aid is not in the office, leave a message. Here is a suggested script:
“Hi, my name is ____ from ____. I’m calling to ask Representative/Senator______ for his/her support for the International Violence Against Women Act. As a constituent, this is important to me. I will call back soon to follow up. Thank you” To find your Senators or representative’s name click here
This bill requires the US Department of State to integrate women’s issues in all aspects of US foreign policy. Also, it would allow the US to develop a strategy to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls internationally and particularly in countries with severe level of such violence. If passed, the bill will equally help empower women at all levels: social, political, economic, education, human rights promotion and peacemaking.
WE URGE YOU TO CONTACT YOUR SENATORS OR MEMBER OF CONGRESS TODAY IF THEY ARE NOT ON THE LIST OF COSPONSORS OF THE INTERNATIONAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT.
