Project Women Against Violence

For generations women all over the world have suffered the indignity and shame of being second class citizens. They have been abused in a manner of forms- physically, emotionally, financially and psychologically. Society has traditionally turned a blind eye to such actions and as a result women and children have suffered in silence. Leading campaigners in the West have brought out the existence of such issues in the open. Unfortunately the same cannot be said in many parts of the world. Women and children are still suffering in silence.

The majority of women from Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries continue to be underprivileged and disadvantaged. Domestic violence has no barriers and is prevalent amongst all classes. The number of deaths that occur in these countries as a result of direct or indirect aggression and domestic violence has been increasing over the years.

Taking into context the situation, Farida Sultana along with past survivors of violence as well as volunteers are taking the concept of women's refuge to a few Asian countries, to begin with. The Project titled Women Against Violence will look at enabling women in such countries to help other women overcome domestic violence. Over the past three years, visits were made to Bangladesh, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Japan and Dubai. Significant work in the area of training professionals and volunteers in domestic violence awareness and advocacy is taking place in countries like Bangladesh.

Contact Farida Sultana at: ethwomen@ihug.co.nz