07/05/2024

Louvain Cooperation fights against violence against women

Worldwide, nearly one in three women are victims of physical or sexual violence during their lifetime (WHO). Many more of them still suffer psychological or economic violence. This violence knows no borders or socio-economic barriers. And conflicts, hunger and even the lack of economic prospects still restrict women's rights.

Violence against women constitutes a serious attack on fundamental rights. The impacts on the physical, sexual and mental health of women and girls are diverse, ranging from immediate to long-term effects, which can even lead to death. Violence hinders their overall well-being and limits their full participation in social life. Its harmful consequences are not limited to women, but also affect their families, communities and countries.

Despite the mobilizations of civil society and feminist movements,the eradication of gender-based violence is far from being achievedand remains a national and international priority. Many countries now have laws against domestic violence, sexual assault and other forms of violence, but enforcement remains a major challenge in ensuring the safety and justice of women and girls. Prevention initiatives remain insufficient and perpetrators of violence often escape any punishment.

More vulnerable women

Louvain Coopération and its partners work in regions of the world where the situation of women is particularly fragile.

In South Kivu, the abuse of their bodies has become a weapon of war.
In Bolivia, domestic violence is more the norm than the exception.
In Benin, only 40% of adult women know how to read and write.
In Cambodia, attacks on very young girls and gang rapes are becoming more and more frequent.
In the DRC, adolescent girls who are pregnant against their will and outside of marriage are kicked out of their families, without resources.
In rural areas, most women, who actively participate in agricultural work, do not have the income from this activity.

Our interventions

At Louvain Cooperation, in collaboration with our partners and supported by the expertise of numerous academics, we are committed to combating these inequalities. Our efforts are focused on:

entrepreneuriat

Female entrepreneurship:
women are supported in the development of dignified and viable economic activities, in order to become financially independent.

alphabétisation

Literacy:
adult women who have not been able to go to school can take literacy courses.

santé sexuelle et reproductive

Sexual and reproductive health awareness:
young women are informed about their rights regarding sexuality and reproductive health to prevent premature or unwanted pregnancies.

psychosocial

Psychosocial support for women victims of violence:
they are supported by professionals, participate in discussion groups and are supported in creating an economic activity in order to have an income.