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Dear Friend,
The Nairobi Women's Hospital reports that someone is raped every half hour in Kenya.
Hafsa* is a survivor of one such attack. During the violence that erupted following Kenya's national election in 2007, armed militants demanded entry to her home to search for weapons. Finding none, they raped Hafsa and her daughters. She eventually tested positive for HIV.
Hafsa is not alone. It is estimated that at least one out of every three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime — with the abuser usually someone known to her.
That's one of the many reasons CARE worked with members of Congress to create the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA). IVAWA calls for a comprehensive strategy to increase resources that provide legal, health and social support for survivors. It also includes programs that engage communities, including men and boys, to change social norms that perpetuate violence against women and girls.
Please e-mail your members of Congress to speak out against violence against women and girls by co-sponsoring IVAWA.
It is inexcusable that gender-based violence is happening today on such a widespread scale. That's why we need you to do everything in your power to persuade your elected officials to stop the rape of women like Hafsa. Passing IVAWA would be a major step toward ending the violence endured by women and girls in Kenya and throughout the world.
Send your representatives a letter and ask them to support this crucial legislation today. By supporting IVAWA, our leaders will make preventing and responding to violence against women a priority in U.S. foreign policy.
Thank you for doing your part by taking action today.
Sincerely,
Helene D. Gayle, MD, MPH
President and CEO, CARE
*Name changed to protect Hafsa's identity.
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