IANSA campaigners are mobilising around the world to raise awareness of the effects of armed violence against women. The global 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence starts on Sunday 25 November, with events by IANSA members planned in Angola, South Sudan, Columbia, Peru, DR Congo, El Salvador, South Africa, Azerbaijan and Chile throughout the week.

The beginning of the 16 Days comes just after the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on rape and sexual violence. 'Eliminating rape and other forms of sexual violence in all their manifestations, including in conflict and related situations' was passed by the Third Committee on 15 November. The resolution says that rape performed by 'any individual, State or non-State actor must not be used or condoned in any circumstance.' The resolution was amended so it could be adopted by consensus. The resolution did not commit any extra funding for work towards eliminating violence against women.

Sarah Masters, IANSA Women's Network Coordinator said: 'We welcome the resolution, especially its recognition that rape is being used as a political weapon. States should also recognise that the availability of guns drastically undermines women's security. 100,000 women were raped in South Kivu of the DR Congo in 2006. These rapes were committed by men from State armed forces and non-State groups, as well as civilians - and many were committed at gunpoint.'