Violence against women--both intimate partner violence and sexual violence against women - are major public health problems and violations of women's human rights. A World Health Organization multi-country study found that from 15 to 71% of women reported experiencing physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lives.
Leymah Gbowee, recent Nobel Peace Prize recipient from Liberia says, "it's time for women to stop being politely angry. I watch men talking about your reproductive issue, something they know nothing about, and I say why are women not angry about this?" A woman friend writes, "What's happening in this country right now about birth control, mandated sonograms prior to abortions is shocking. . . Where are we? We are going backward. I hope for a coalition of women to stand up to this trend." From Leslene, "It's very confusing about what century we are in...it's 2012, and men are still trying to tell women what to do and what not to do with our bodies. I would like to ask for a worldwide prayer for men to realize that birth control is NOT their issue. What IS their issue is their jealousy/fear of women's creative power--age old--at least 5000 years. When men get a grip on their fear, peace will naturally and organically surface. We need to start creating women's councils around the world to create the world we wish to live in. It most certainly will not include fear mongering men who try to stand on women's backs every chance they get."
Music: "The Crystal Drum Sounds; The Sacred War Begins" Composed and performed by Janie Rezner www.janierezner.com