Recently, we’ve heard reports that Gadhafi’s forces are being encouraged to rape women affiliated with the rebels in Libya, and around the world thousands of rapes take place during armed conflicts every day. Now three Nobel Peace Laureates, Jody Williams, Shirin Ebadi and Mairead Maguire, are trying to find a way to combat the problem. Earlier this week, they held a conference Quebec that brought together women from around the world to discuss ways to address sexual violence.
They also spoke to Canadian parliamentarians about the issue, and are now trying to send a message to leaders around the globe. As part of their Day of Action to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, they’re asking people to contact elected officials and demand they fight to end rape as a weapon of war. A sample letter is available on the UN Action Stop Rape Now website, and you can also follow the campaign using the #endrapeinwar hashtag.
