DPI Europe

Women and abuse

AROUND THE WORLD

Around the world this week is strong evidence of increased collaboration between persons with disabilities, academics, and other organizations. Activities not only demonstrate innovation, but also meaningful participation on the part of persons with disabilitiesWomen and girls with disabilities experience discrimination and negative stereotypes from both a gender and disability perspective which perpetuates and legitimises not only the multiple forms of violence perpetrated against them, but also the failure of governments at all levels to recognise and take action on the issue. Despite increasing recognition of, and attention to gender based violence as the “most widespread human rights abuse in the world” (Amnesty International 2006), violence against women and girls with disabilities continues to thrive in a culture of silence, denial and apathy.    

ABUSE OF WOMEN IN MALAWI

A qualitative study conducted in Malawi discusses the circumstances and situations that create increased risk for violence and abuse of women, as well as the consequences of such abuse.

The study, funded by the Atlas Alliance and the Norwegian Department for Foreign Affairs, is a collaboration between SINTEF Health Research, Norway; Norwegian Federation of Organisations of Disabled People (FFO); Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi (FEDOMA), and Disabled Women in Development in Malawi (DIWODE).

Results indicate that violence and abuse is hidden, and that there is a lot of stigma and shame connected to sexuality and disability. Study available athttp://www.sintef.no/upload/Helse/Levekår%20og%20tjenester/AbuseMalawi.pdf

HUMAN RIGHTS

Fifty-two Chilean women have been killed by their husbands or boyfriends up to October 2007 and the Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence in Chile wants the world to know about it.

The advocacy network, a Santiago-based Association of 50 Non-Governmental organizations in Chile, is planning a series of night-time marches in 12 cities on 22 November to draw citizens into the streets to denounce femicide.

Even though Chile's femicide numbers are far lower than some countries--580 Guatemalan women were murdered in 2006 in what Amnesty International describes as femicides--the advocacy group is alarmed at these rising statistics. 

Under growing pressure from activists and a group of Chilean legislators, President Michelle Bachelet submitted a women's rights bill to the Chilean congress in late October 2007. The bill, to be debated in the next few weeks, recommends that femicide be distinguished from homicide in Chilean law and that the government build more safe houses.  For information, please go to

http://mail.google.com/mail/?zx=tlxk8uxsh2ls&shva=1#inbox/1160f2e4d3154879

SCHOLARCHIP ANNOUCEMENT

The Working to Advance African Women (WAAW) Foundation is pleased to announce its first scholarship program, offering “$500 per year to female African students in need and admitted to a University, College or Institute of higher learning in Africa. 

These scholarships are renewable annually, following proof of the student’s continued academic performance. Deadline for submission is 15 December 2007. For list of criteria and access to the registration form, please go to http://www.waawfoundation.org/scholarship.htm

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The Centre for Innovation and Structural Change (CISC) invites applications for PhD study in the following areas:

1. Independent Living and Disability in Ireland with an emphasis on Housing Options: International & Comparative practice.
2. Development Aid and Disability: International and Comparative Models.
3. Mental Health & Disability Policy.
4. E-Accessibility and Disability.

The CISC is an interdisciplinary research centre at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Partners include University College Dublin and Dublin City University Business School. For information, please go to http://www.nuigalway.ie/cisc/vacancies.html