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against women is a universal phenomenon, which cuts across lines
of income, class and culture and is a clear manifestation of the
unequal power relations between women and men. It is also a fundamental
barrier to women's equality and a clear violation of women's rights
and fundamental freedoms. Some groups of women such as indigenous
women, refugee women, migrant women and women living in conflict
areas or war zones are especially vulnerable to violence.
Female genital mutilation and other traditional practices which, according to the World Health Organisation are carried out in at least 25 African countries, some Asian countries and the Middle East are a violation of women's rights to personal integrity and physical and mental health and of their sexual and reproductive rights. SIW therefore welcomes the report of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which calls for a ban on the practice of female genital mutilation, considering it inhuman and degrading treatment. The personal and social costs of violence against women are immense. In addition there are huge social and financial costs to society as a whole for hospitalisation, counselling and loss of income. Socialist International Women therefore calls on governments to:
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Executive
Committee Statutes
Brief History Quota
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