Violence against women fact for Dec. 5

[December 05, 2013]  Zonta International seeks to advance the status of women worldwide by improving the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women at the global and local levels through service and advocacy.

With the generosity and collective action of Zontians and friends around the world, Zonta International has supported projects in 46 countries, provided scholarships and awards to women around the globe, and been a powerful advocate for change in our local and international communities, thereby transforming the world and women's place in it.

The local Zonta organization wants to help raise awareness of the crime of violence against women locally and around the world by publishing 16 facts, one per day, during the 16 Days of Activism.

December 5 -- day 11

Fact 11: Programs that increase women's access to microcredit and finance and train people in healthy relationship and negotiation skills can prevent violence against women.

A program called Intervention with Microfinance for AIDS and Gender Equity (IMAGE) in South Africa shows great promise. IMAGE targets women living in the poorest households in rural areas, and combines financial services with skills-building sessions for women and men on HIV prevention, gender norms, cultural beliefs, communication and intimate partner violence. Two years after completing the program, women participants reported 55% fewer acts of violence by their intimate partners.

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