Ending Gender Based Violence

Overview

The sub-regional "Ending Gender Based Violence" International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) brought together eight participants from nations all over Central and South America in order to review best practices for preventing gender-based violence, discuss techniques for identifying forms of gender-based abuse, and examine education and outreach initiatives that focus on women's legal rights. The group of participants was made up of legislators, investigators, and leaders of non-profit and community-based organizations. Visitors travelled to various cities including Washington, DC; Cincinnati, OH; Albuquerque, NM; Santa Fe, NM; and San Diego, CA.

In Washington, the participants had meetings and discussions with officials from the State and Justice Departments, representatives from USAID, and staff members from the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. In Cincinnati, the group met with Dress for Success, Lighthouse Youth Services, and the Cincinnati Health Network to discuss resources in rural areas, judicial and law enforcement initiatives, and economic empowerment programs for abused women. In Albuquerque and Santa Fe, their program centered on culturally-specific assistance and shelter services with the inclusion of a volunteer opportunity with Crossroads for Women, a non-profit that provides food to homeless women and children. The group's program concluded in San Diego, where visitors were welcomed to speak at a local community event, meet with representatives from Survivors of Torture, International and staffers from the Center for Community Solutions.

Sponsor