DOCSLIB.ORG

Annual Report

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Annual Report 2020 ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL 2020 REPORT Photo: Mike Myers 2020 HIGHLIGHTS Helped pass a federal anti-FGM ban through the Aided state-level efforts that resulted in two House of Representatives and Senate through states banning child marriage. advocacy with survivors and other partners—the bill reaffirms the federal FGM ban that was found Organized four events with fellows on 15 college unconstitutional in 2018. campuses defending free speech and promoting critical thinking and women’s rights around the A MESSAGE TO OUR DONORS Spearheaded the efforts that resulted in five country, connecting more than 590,000 people more states enacting or strengthening anti-FGM with our events and ideas. legislation in 2020 due to our role as the national Reflecting on 2020 reminds me of a News of Congress unanimously passing George Zarubin, Executive Director leader in anti-FGM advocacy. Published in internationally and nationally- hurricane: everything is chaotic around the STOP FGM Act of 2020 in mid- renowned newspapers and magazines, our us, yet in the middle of it all, there’s a December could not have come at a Conducted a webinar with Dr. Muhammad founder, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, defended free speech certain calm. better, albeit surprising time. Despite Fraser-Rahim, Executive Director of Quilliam against cancel culture in seven articles, exposed growing fear that it would remain stuck comforted sick and worried relatives. The North America, about his new book to further the dangers of Islamism in six, and raised Personally, as the pandemic progressed, in the Senate as the end of the lame- only mantra that I’ve been holding onto strengthen and amplify the voices and activism awareness for gender-based violence in two. I tried to limit my exposure to the duck session drew near, Congress joined is: Keep calm, head down, and move of ex-Muslims, Muslim reformers, scholars and constant news briefings that often felt together in a bipartisan move to reaffirm forward. religious leaders against Islamism. Supported federal legislation that, if passed, overwhelming and at times debilitating. the protection of women and girls would close visa loopholes that have enabled I felt that I had to focus on where I could throughout the U.S. The bill was officially Although we cannot be sure when thousands of child marriages in the U.S. make the biggest difference—my family, signed into law by then president this storm will stop, I do know that our the work I do at AHA Foundation, and Donald Trump on January 5, 2021. work is necessary and we will strive to connections with friends and neighbors continue protecting women and girls, —online and socially distanced, as much Meanwhile, we are equally thrilled expanding the Critical Thinking Unit and as possible. with several legislative wins that we organizing webinars to counter Islamism. supported at the state level, some I hope we come out of this storm - At AHA Foundation, we also had to focus of which even happened during the stronger together and with a renewed on where we could do the most good. lockdown! Five states—Vermont, sense of gratefulness and appreciation Thanks to support from our donors, our Wyoming, Kentucky, Massachusetts and for each other. work protecting women and girls against Idaho—passed laws to prevent female harmful cultural practices and defending genital mutilation. On top of that, both It has been a devastating year for freedom of speech never ceased, despite Pennsylvania and Minnesota banned everyone. We appreciate the wonderful many challenges. child marriage. supporters who have continued to stand alongside us to make our important The pandemic hit hard. The number of Early in the year, we also provided in- work possible. Thanks for your gifts. requests for help to our crisis text line person training to frontline healthcare, Thanks for your encouragement. Thank tripled compared to the pre-COVID-19 education and legal professionals. you for supporting the team at AHA period. The pandemic made it easier for We also managed to take our campus Foundation. perpetrators to continue their threats program, the Critical Thinking Unit, and abuse while girls are kept away from online with a virtual training and Sincerely, the watchful eyes of teachers, counselors webinars. and other professionals. Our staff worked hard to meet the needs of women and The worst part of a hurricane is that you girls reaching out to us via our email never know when or how it might leave George Zarubin helpline or through the crisis text line. its mark. Many of us have lost friends or Executive Director “Safety is our number one priority, and this organization was built for women and girls, who struggle with issues that society has largely unattended to.” — Sheriece Hooks, Ph.D. candidate at Pepperdine University, former AHA Foundation’s Helpline Manager ANNUAL ANNUAL 2 2020 REPORT 2020 REPORT 3 ENDING FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN THE U.S. ANTI-FGM EFFORTS AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL At the federal level, AHA Foundation: Engaged in ongoing discussions with House Judiciary Consulted with our pro bono attorney at White & Case, Committee staff, members of the Senate Judiciary LLP regarding amendments needed to strengthen the Committee, and political advocacy organizations to secure federal anti-FGM law and offered recommendations to bipartisan support for the STOP FGM Act of 2020, a bill that the House Judiciary Committee. upholds the constitutionality of the federal anti-FGM law. FGM Survivors, Legislators and Advocates React Against All Odds, an Incredible Victory: to the News About Federal Ban Victory STOP FGM ACT OF 2020 PASSED “In an incredibly difficult year, the little “As we’re wrapping up this Congress, it’s In 2018, we lost the ability to try perpetrators using the federal law meant to protect girls from the heinous crime of FGM after Ayaan girls in our country who are vulnerable to certainly encouraging to see that we’ve a judge ruled it unconstitutional. Since then, AHA Foundation has been on the frontline working with members of both parties Hirsi Ali, this painful practice were not forgotten. in the Senate and House of Representatives to help reaffirm this ban. Thanks to our efforts and the work of our partners, the ban FGM survivor made progress in eliminating the horrific The STOP FGM Act is a strong bill that passed unanimously in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, and was signed by then-President Trump on January 5, and founder practice of female genital mutilation makes it clear that in this country, we do Joni Ernst, (FGM). FGM is an uncomfortable issue 2021. This bill represents what can be accomplished through bipartisan efforts and reaffirms our commitment to ensure politics of AHA Senator not tolerate this practice, and we will not to discuss, but we must continue calling do not dictate the protection of women and girls throughout the U.S. Foundation from Iowa stand idly by as girls are cut.” attention to it and educating ourselves on the signs so that we are equipped to protect young girls from this excruciating practice.” “The STOP FGM Act of 2020 will finally Andrea offer young women and girls stronger G. Bottner, protection from the horror of female “Oh my gosh. That is FABULOUS!!! Thank Senior Advisor Nevaeh Novak, genital mutilation. No girl should ever FGM survivor goodness people are listening and to Independent have to face this in her lifetime. The Women’s Forum from South acting to protect us. I’m overjoyed!! bipartisan nature of this legislation Carolina Best Christmas gift!!!” shows that when it comes to the safety of young girls, politics shouldn’t matter.” “I was so thankful to hear that Congress has passed a federal law banning In response to our call for advocacy on Twitter to pass “I’m pleased that we’ve finally reached FGM/C. This will be life-changing for the STOP FGM Act of 2020, the American College of agreement on language to enhance girls that are at risk in this country, and Pediatricians announced their support of the bill and penalties for female genital mutilation, for moms wanting to protect girls from efforts to pass it. Jenny, FGM a truly horrible practice. I introduced this practice within their communities Marsha survivor and legislation on this subject last year, and but didn’t have anything to help them in Blackburn, advocate from Senator from I thank my colleagues in the House who Kentucky that fight to protect them. FGM/C can be In a December 12th tweet, Ayaan celebrated the mo- worked with me on this issue. The law life-changing for anyone that endures it mentous passage of the federal FGM bill in Congress, Tennessee applauding Representative Jackson Lee and Senator that passed will send a strong message and can negatively impact a victims life In a tweet on October 11th, the International Day of Marsha Blackburn for their leadership. that Congress condemns the violent and in so many ways, I am filled with so much the Girl Child, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, founder of AHA Founda- tion, urged the U.S. Senate to pass a bill that would disgusting butchery of young girls and joy for so many girls that will be saved reaffirm the federal anti-FGM law. women in this country.” because of this law.” ANNUAL ANNUAL 4 2020 REPORT 2020 REPORT 5 ANTI-FGM EFFORTS AT THE STATE LEVEL At the state level, AHA Foundation: VERMONT meeting in August of 2019 when we met Representative COVID-19 Pandemic Slows Our Plans to Ban FGM in All 50 States, More than 600* girls protected Laursen and alerted him about the urgent need to ban FGM in his state.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Report on Exploratory Study Into Honor Violence Measurement Methods
    The author(s) shown below used Federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Justice and prepared the following final report: Document Title: Report on Exploratory Study into Honor Violence Measurement Methods Author(s): Cynthia Helba, Ph.D., Matthew Bernstein, Mariel Leonard, Erin Bauer Document No.: 248879 Date Received: May 2015 Award Number: N/A This report has not been published by the U.S. Department of Justice. To provide better customer service, NCJRS has made this federally funded grant report available electronically. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Report on Exploratory Study into Honor Violence Measurement Methods Authors Cynthia Helba, Ph.D. Matthew Bernstein Mariel Leonard Erin Bauer November 26, 2014 U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics Prepared by: 810 Seventh Street, NW Westat Washington, DC 20531 An Employee-Owned Research Corporation® 1600 Research Boulevard Rockville, Maryland 20850-3129 (301) 251-1500 This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Table of Contents Chapter Page 1 Introduction and Overview ............................................................................... 1-1 1.1 Summary of Findings ........................................................................... 1-1 1.2 Defining Honor Violence .................................................................... 1-2 1.3 Demographics of Honor Violence Victims ...................................... 1-5 1.4 Future of Honor Violence ................................................................... 1-6 2 Review of the Literature ...................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • “Britain Should Pay Reparations for ITS Role in the Slave Trade”
    MOTION: JANUARY 2016 REPARATIONS “BRITAIN SHOULD NADIA BUTT PAY REPARATIONS FOR ITS ROLE IN THE SLAVE TRADE” DEBATING MATTERS DEBATOPITING MATTERCS GUIDETOPICS GUIDEwww.debatingmatters.comS ABOUT DEBATING MATTERS SUPPORTED BY Debating Matters because ideas PRIMARY FUNDER HEADLINE PRIZE SPONSOR matter. This is the premise of the Institute of Ideas Debating Matters Competition for sixth form students which emphasises substance, not just style, and the importance of taking ideas seriously. Debating Matters REGIONAL SPONSORS presents schools with an innovative and engaging approach to debating, where the real-world debates and a challenging format, including panel judges who engage with the students, CHAMPIONS REGIONAL FINAL SPONSOR appeal to students from a wide range of backgrounds, including schools with a long tradition of debating and those with none. VENUE PARTNERS process cyan pantone 7545U CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 of 6 NOTES Despite The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 formally outlawing Introduction 1 slavery throughout the British Empire nearly 200 years ago [Ref: Wikipedia], Prime Minister David Cameron’s first state visit to Key terms 1 Jamaica last September was overshadowed by calls from high- The Reparations debate in context 2 profile politicians, including Jamaican leader Portia Simpson Miller, for Britain to pay reparations for its involvement in the Essential reading 4 slave trade [Ref: RT]. This is just one example of an increasing Backgrounders 5 demand for reparations from Western nations to individuals and countries who were affected by the slave trade. According to Organisations 5 some calculations, reparations for the transatlantic slave trade [Ref: UNESCO] could add up to $14 trillion [Ref: Newsweek] and Audio/Visual 6 those calling for reparations argue that slavery facilitated the In the news 6 rise of Britain as a global player, and forced human exploitation was a “major source of wealth of the British Empire” [Ref: Independent].
    [Show full text]
  • 2 MB 9Th Apr 2021 BBC Ideas Full Report [Final]
    BBC IDEAS 1 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................... 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................................... 5 PART ONE: MONITORING STATISTICS ...................................................................................................................... 7 1.1 The BBC and its Charter Responsibilities on ‘Impartiality’ and ‘Distinctiveness’ ................................ 7 1.2 BBC Ideas ...................................................................................................................................................... 11 1.3 News-watch ................................................................................................................................................... 13 1.4 Project Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 13 1.5 The Full Sample ............................................................................................................................................ 14 1.6 Views per Day .............................................................................................................................................. 15 1.7 Presentational style ....................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • AHA 2010 Freedom of Expression and the Rights of Women
    www.theAHAfoundation.org FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN Political Islam’s threat to freedom of expression is bad for everyone, but hurts women the most December 2, 2010 Published by the AHA Foundation The AHA Foundation 130 7th Avenue, Suite 236, New York, NY 10011 [email protected] Table of Contents Executive Summary & Recommendations 3 Introduction: The Price of Freedom of Expression 6 Section 1: The Importance of Freedom of Expression for the Rights of 7 Muslim Women in Western Countries Section 2: Political Islam and Multiple Levels of Pressure against Freedom 10 of Expression 1) Global Political Pressure 12 2) Lawsuits and Legal Tactics Pressuring Individuals—the Fight in the 25 Courts 3) Pressure through Physical Threats to Individuals 31 4) Internal Pressures: U.S. Institutions, Fear, and Self-Censorship 39 Section 3: The Effects of a Climate of Domination 48 Conclusion: A More Effective Response in the United States and Other 52 Western Countries References 55 2 Executive Summary Supporters of political Islam have launched a multifaceted assault on the principles of freedom in the West. Political Islam includes the establishment of Sharia (the body of Islamic religious law), which contains harsh restrictions on freedom of expression, as well as harsh punishments for apostasy and blasphemy and standards at odds with modern Western norms of gender equality. Political Islamists are actively attempting to extend the reach of Sharia over Western cultures and legal systems. This report addresses how, through means of actual physical violence, threats and intimidation, legal action, and political pressure, the emancipation of Muslim women is stunted if not ground to a halt.
    [Show full text]
  • Celebrating 10 Years of Life-Saving Work and Revealing the Vision for the Next Ten Years
    AHA FOUNDATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF LIFE-SAVING WORK AND REVEALING THE VISION FOR THE NEXT TEN YEARS Photo: mikemyersphoto.com Photo: AHA Foundation Annual Report | 2017 With an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, and law degrees from Tulane University Law School and McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific, Zarubin practiced law for 10 years in California and Russia before transitioning to work with nonprofits and international development. George Zarubin, Executive As the former Executive Director of the Soros Director of the AHA Foundation Foundation Kazakhstan, Vice President of the Eurasia Foundation, and President of Eurasia INTRODUCING OUR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Partnership Foundation, he worked as a change agent and implemented new programs to To realize Ayaan’s vision, in 2016 the Foundation promote liberal Western values, supporting embarked on a search for the right leader civil society organizations to engage in policy to grow the organization. After an extensive dialogues with national and local governments. search, George Zarubin was chosen to lead the Foundation as our new Executive Director. “One of my favorite quotes is ‘never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, Zarubin is an attorney and a seasoned, international, senior executive with 20 years committed citizens can change the world; of philanthropic and nonprofit experience in indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has,’ Washington, DC, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia. by Margaret Mead. I truly believe that the He has a proven track record of elevating AHA Foundation is making this quote a the organizational capacity of foundations reality and I am so thrilled to be a part of and nonprofits and by overseeing their our team.” transformation, sustainability, and ensuring -George Zarubin, Executive Director targeted and measurable impacts.
    [Show full text]
  • Violence and Restraints on Women in Islamic
    www.theAHAfoundation.org ViolenceFacts and and figuresRestraints on onthe Womencircumstances in Islamic affecting Immigrant Communities A Muslimsummary of European girls and best practices women in approaching these issues and recommendationsin the to UnitedU.S. legislators States and policymakers DECEMBER 1, 2009 December 9, 2010 Published by the AHA Foundation Published by the AHA Foundation The AHA Foundation 130 7th Avenue, Suite 236, New York, NY 10011 [email protected] The AHA Foundation 1735 Market Street, Suite A # 530 Philadelphia, PA 19103 [email protected] Summary This paper presents an overview of Sharia law, honor-based violence, female genital mutilation, and forced marriages as they affect women living in Islamic communities in Western countries. European countries have been confronting the issues described longer than the U.S. has, and the paper summarizes efforts made by selected European countries to address them. At the end of each section, a summary is provided of U.S. laws (where applicable), and normative recommendations are made as to how gaps in laws and policy in the U.S. might best be filled. Certain U.S. states and localities, such as New York City, may be developing different ways of approaching the issues addressed in this paper – legal and social solutions to violence and restraints on women’s rights in Islamic immigrant communities in the U.S. are still in flux. If Federal policy is clear, it may help provide guidance and a model for state laws and judicial decision-making at all levels. 2/12 Sharia Law Overview: Under Sharia law’s civil code, a woman’s testimony is worth half that of a man’s; a woman’s marriage contract is between her male guardian and her husband and a Muslim woman is not permitted to marry a non-Muslim.
    [Show full text]
  • Decolonising the University
    Decolonising the University Decolonising the University Edited by Gurminder K. Bhambra, Dalia Gebrial and Kerem Nişancıoğlu First published 2018 by Pluto Press 345 Archway Road, London N6 5AA www.plutobooks.com Copyright © Gurminder K. Bhambra, Dalia Gebrial and Kerem Nişancıoğlu 2018 The right of the individual contributors to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by them in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library ISBN 978 0 7453 3821 7 Hardback ISBN 978 0 7453 3820 0 Paperback ISBN 978 1 7868 0315 3 PDF eBook ISBN 978 1 7868 0317 7 Kindle eBook ISBN 978 1 7868 0316 0 EPUB eBook This book is printed on paper suitable for recycling and made from fully managed and sustained forest sources. Logging, pulping and manufacturing processes are expected to conform to the environmental standards of the country of origin. Typeset by Stanford DTP Services, Northampton, England Simultaneously printed in the United Kingdom and United States of America Bhambra.indd 4 29/08/2018 17:13 Contents 1 Introduction: Decolonising the University? 1 Gurminder K. Bhambra, Dalia Gebrial and Kerem Nişancıoğlu PART I CONTEXTS: HISTORICAL AND DISCPLINARY 2 Rhodes Must Fall: Oxford and Movements for Change 19 Dalia Gebrial 3 Race and the Neoliberal University: Lessons from the Public University 37 John Holmwood 4 Black/Academia 53 Robbie Shilliam 5 Decolonising Philosophy 64 Nelson Maldonado-Torres, Rafael Vizcaíno, Jasmine Wallace and Jeong Eun Annabel We PART II INSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVES 6 Asylum University: Re-situating Knowledge-exchange along Cross-border Positionalities 93 Kolar Aparna and Olivier Kramsch 7 Diversity or Decolonisation? Researching Diversity at the University of Amsterdam 108 Rosalba Icaza and Rolando Vázquez 8 The Challenge for Black Studies in the Neoliberal University 129 Kehinde Andrews 9 Open Initiatives for Decolonising the Curriculum 145 Pat Lockley vi .
    [Show full text]
  • Resource Directory
    THE AHA FOUNDATION resource directory THE AHA FOUNDATION CONTENTS In response to ongoing abuses of women’s rights, Ayaan Hirsi Ali and her supporters established the AHA Foundation in 2007 to protect THE AHA FOUNDATION 3 and defend the rights of women and girls in the U.S. from oppression Direct Service Organizations 4 justified by religion and culture. The AHA Foundation works to protect Research and Advocacy Organizations 27 and reinforce the basic rights and freedoms of women and girls, and is Domestic Violence Hotlines 32 particularly focused on forced marriages, honor violence, and female Government Agencies (NYC) 34 genital mutilation. NYC District Attorneys 37 w As an advocacy organization, the AHA Foundation engages in four primary activities to combat these horrific forms of violence against women and girls. First, we investigate reports of these crimes and compile data, which is not currently tracked by any law enforcement or government agency. Second, we inform the public and raise awareness about the presence of these crimes in the U.S. Third, we work to persuade politicians and policymakers to prioritize the enforcement of laws that protect women’s rights and, where necessary, to create special legislation to protect the rights and freedoms of women and girls from oppression justified by religion and culture. Fourth, we offer training and support to law enforcement and service providers about these issues and refer women who contact us for help to appropriate services. More information about our work can be found on our website: www.theahafoundation.org. This resource directory is intended to provide contact information for organizations that may be able to assist women facing threats of honor violence, forced marriage, or female genital mutilation.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report
    ANNUAL 2 019 REPORT BREAKING THE SILENCE | PROTECTING LIBERTY | CELEBRATING DIGNITY ANNUAL 2 019 REPORT George Zarubin, Executive Director A MESSAGE TO OUR DONORS In one of my favorite films, Dead Poets legislation. We also had the opportunity speech, and the need to curtail Islamic Society, Robin Williams plays the role to introduce our model legislation and extremism. But we did not allow these of a high school English teacher who train legislators from the remaining 15 ideas to be silenced and has reached inspires his students with the Latin states that lack anti-FGM bans. Ideas over 400,000 people with Enlightenment phrase carpe diem, roughly translated as matter. Laws matter. And advocacy for ideas. “seize the day,” and explains that “words both state and federal protections can and ideas can change the world.” At improve the circumstances for hundreds We need to take a stand. We have and we AHA Foundation, we firmly believe in of thousands of women and girls around will continue to fight for our mission! the power of ideas and their potential the U.S. to bring about immense change in For me, the critical point in Dead Poets the world. Throughout 2019, thanks We also seized the opportunity to bring Society was the moment when Williams to support from our donors, we seized ex-Muslims, Muslim Reformers, and states “… the powerful play goes on and the day through hardships and political stakeholders together in a workshop to you may contribute a verse… What will discord that threatened the progress we discuss strategies to combat Islamism, your verse be?” made over the past decade.
    [Show full text]
  • Racism at the Heart of the British Royal R Suicide
    MAY–JUNE 2021 VOL. 32, NO. 5 CIRC. 243,028 FROM THE EDITOR | COVER STORY 1 Mars Landing: A Preview of Your Incredible Potential! • There’s Intelligent Life FROM THE EDITOR GERALD FLURRY Alright 4 • Intelligence Can’t Solve Man’s Problems 5 Mars Landing: Why Are the Wealthy ‘Woke’? 6 A Preview of The Economy of Tomorrow’s World 11 Your Incredible Transgenderism and the Pursuit of Happiness 14 Potential! Putin and the ‘Greatest Catastrophe’ 19 See images from Mars for what they truly are: The Interview That Shook the a preview of your future mission. Royal Family 23 he world has been dazzled by images from Mars. Amer- Biden Middle East Policy: ica’s Perseverance rover is traveling across the Martian sur- Pushing the World Toward T face and sending back some of the best pictures, video and Christ’s Return 27 even audio that we have ever had from that planet. The mission also includes test-flying a remote helicopter and gathering rock Revealing the Two and soil samples that scientists hope to bring back to Earth later Witnesses 32 this decade. This truly is an amazing and stunning achievement! These scientists are searching for signs of past life on Mars. WORLDWATCH 34 But the overwhelming reality, confirmed by the work of this rover, is that this planet is dead and in a state of decay. SOCIETYWATCH 38 The contrast with the planet we inhabit is unmistakable: Earth is full of life! Mars and every other planet are decayed PRINCIPLES OF LIVING 39 wastelands. Are You Laughing at Things Here is a most exciting truth, revealed in your Bible: The You Shouldn’t? condition of these planets is closely linked with your incredible human potential! COMMENTARY 40 As impressive and inspiring as the Mars landing is, this bibli- Fake History Does Real cal truth makes it a million times more so.
    [Show full text]
  • It's Happening Here: the Urgent Need for Anti-FGM Legislation in Kentucky
    It’s Happening Here: the Urgent Need for Anti-FGM Legislation in Kentucky BREAKING THE SILENCE • PROTECTING LIBERTY • CELEBRATING DIGNITY AHA Foundation • The AHA Foundation believes in liberty for all women and girls. • Honor Violence • Forced Marriage • Child Marriage • Female Genital Mutilation 2 BREAKING THE SILENCE • PROTECTING LIBERTY • CELEBRATING DIGNITY Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) • The World Health Organization defines FGM/C as “all procedures that involve partial or total removal of external female genitalia, or other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons.” • WHO classifies FGM/C into four major types 3 BREAKING THE SILENCE • PROTECTING LIBERTY • CELEBRATING DIGNITY 513,000 Women & Girls in the U.S. At Risk -Centers for Disease Control & Prevention 4 BREAKING THE SILENCE • PROTECTING LIBERTY • CELEBRATING DIGNITY 1,845 Women & Girls At Risk in Kentucky -Population Reference Bureau 5 BREAKING THE SILENCE • PROTECTING LIBERTY • CELEBRATING DIGNITY 6 BREAKING THE SILENCE • PROTECTING LIBERTY • CELEBRATING DIGNITY U.S. STATE FGM/C CRIMINAL LAWS Only 35 states have laws against FGM/C 7 BREAKING THE SILENCE • PROTECTING LIBERTY • CELEBRATING DIGNITY Sen. Adams Bill • Female genital mutilation on a minor = Class A felony • Bans trafficking a girl across state lines for FGM • Provides education and outreach to communities and professionals likely to encounter cases of FGM • Mandates training for law enforcement • Revokes license of medical providers convicted of FGM • Provides for a civil action for survivors up to 10 years past their 18th birthday • Defines FGM as child abuse • Includes mandatory reporting of FGM 8 It is a matter of principle that women are free and equal.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report 2014
    © Jan Grarup Annual Report 2014 AHA Annual Report | 2014 Dear Friend, It’s easy to feel hopeless with tragic events occurring all around us: terrorists murdering 12 journalists in Paris; terrorists shooting four hostages dead in a Paris kosher market; a school massacre in Pesha- war that killed 150 students and teachers; a gunman in Sydney taking 17 hostages, ending with two hostages killed along with the attacker. These acts of violence and terrorism are brutal and shocking. What’s more, they underscore a discon- nect between societies that value peace, democracy and individual freedoms and extremist groups that are violent, undemocratic and intolerant. Women and girls su!er the most under radical extrem- ism as they are prevented from accessing an education and health care; exposed to violence and abuse such as kidnapping, rape and murder; and marginalized politically and socio-economically. We must stop it. Our founder, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, often states that changing the status of women and girls is the key to challenging radical extremism and ending terror. She’s right. We must change the status of women and girls globally, so they can create peace and prosperity for themselves, their communities and the world. The pages that follow include the AHA Foundation’s 2014 Annual Report. You will see that elevating the status of women and girls is at the heart of our e!orts to create a more peaceful, democratic world. Working under this guiding principle, our 2014 policy advocacy e!orts sparked legislation that protects girls from female genital mutilation. We enabled frontline service providers to understand and more e!ectively address occurrences of honor violence, and we helped survivors of these hor- rible crimes thrive.
    [Show full text]