Today, the Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD), together with our grassroots partners, associates and members, the majority of whom are living in countries with armed conflict. On IWD we applaud the courage of the many brave defenders of women’s rights worldwide, and we call for a continued commitment to addressing issues of sexual and gender-based violence and fighting impunity for gender-based crimes. During this year of celebration for the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statue, it is more important than ever that the international community renew its commitment to hold perpetrators of sexual and gender-based crimes in armed conflict accountable.

This is a day to honor those victims of sexual and gender-based violence who have come forward to speak out.  Today is a day to stand up for those who were unable to speak out.  Today is a day to hold the international community and ourselves accountable to end sexual and gender-based violence during conflicts.  The time is now.

Read the full Statement by the Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice here