International Women’s Rights and passing I-VAWA

Rep. Wasserman Schultz and Ruth Messinger of AJWS held press call

After weeks of heated debate, the U.S. Congress passed a reauthorization of the domestic Violence Against Women Act in February. But women around the world continue to suffer an epidemic of abuse, violence, and rape, which must come to an end.

The International Violence Against Women Act is expected to be re-introduced in the 113th Congress within the next few weeks. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) will co-sponsor the bill and help spearhead its passage in the House.

On Monday, March 25, Rep. Wasserman Schultz and Ruth Messinger, the President of American Jewish World Service (AJWS), held a press conference call to discuss the international crisis of violence facing women and girls worldwide, the importance of I-VAWA as a solution to address it, and the groundbreaking work of grassroots advocates in the developing world supported by AJWS to end violence and human rights abuses against women.

Just last week, Rep. Wasserman Schultz and AJWS released a Passover commentary connecting the holiday, which marks the liberation of the ancient Israelites from bondage, to the rights of women and girls worldwide. Rep. Wasserman Schultz wrote, “Women are often still the catalysts for change and liberation; yet too many women around the world are still enslaved and oppressed—including the victims of rape and violence.”

On the eve of Passover as Jews focus on the theme of freedom, Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Ruth Messinger and others discussed solutions to this global crisis.

The call was on the record and included discussion and Q & A with reporters and bloggers. Speakers included:

• The Honorable Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Florida), member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations.

• Ruth Messinger, President, American Jewish World Service. In a widely read commentary in Salon on International Women’s Day, Messinger called on the State Department to embrace Hillary Clinton’s legacy and continue to prioritize the needs of women around the world.

• Rupsa Mallik of CREA in New Delhi, India. A feminist human rights organization, CREA works to advance the rights of women and girls and the sexuality and reproductive rights of all people.