GF2D-CRIFF and Abantu for Development are two of CCI’s newest partners, and both are working to increase the role of women in governance and decision-making. Representatives from both organizations were recently in Canada meeting with women’s rights groups and examining the potential for collaboration.

 The women dressed in wedding gowns and bloody bandages were stopping traffic at one of Accra’s busiest intersections. Curious motorists slowed down to read the signs hanging from around their neck — “I did not ask for this when I got married” and “This could be your mother or sister”.

Violence against women is commonplace in Swaziland. In my country, the subordination of women’s rights, violence and the threat of HIV infection are inextricably linked .

CCI has been working actively with the Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA) and the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia (THANS) to stop violence against women in Swaziland. When Halifax’s Margie McDonald embarked on a three-month placement with the SWAGAA she could hardly have imagined the result would mobilize hundreds of Swazi men to end violence against women.

A key Ghanaian civil society strategy to increase women’s rights is to create opportunities for women to take greater leadership in decision making all at levels including government.

In Ghana, one in three women experience physical abuse during their lifetime. Through the dedicated work of Women in Law and Development-Ghana (WiLDAF-Ghana), a Canadian Crossroads International partner, and other women’s groups across Ghana, abused women now have legal recourse: a law specifically criminalizing domestic violence was enacted in May 2007.

Canadian Crossroads International (CCI) is working with Malian NGO the Association Malienne pour les Jeunes (AMPJ) to help women increase their rights and their income.

For women struggling to escape the cycle of poverty, even a small investment can be enough for start-up materials for all kinds of small businesses. That is why CCI has partnered with the Asociaicion Nacional Ecumenica de Desarollo (ANED), a Bolivian financial organization working to alleviate poverty.

Stopping Gender-Based Violence in Swaziland

There is no specific law in Swaziland that criminalizes domestic violence. Gender-based violence is widespread and victims have few legal options. As well, Swazi women are socially and economically dependent on men and may not be able to leave an abusive household.

The people of Zimbabwe are caught up in a dire political, economic and social crisis. In this context, women and girls are especially vulnerable. Rape and violence against women and girls are widespread. Canadian Crossroads International is working with the award winning Girl Child Network (GCN) to bolster the rights of women and girls in Zimbabwe.

The social and economic crisis in Zimbabwe puts women and girls at even greater risk of violence. However, the recent passing of the Domestic Violence Act is a significant advance. The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe’s played a key role in the campaign to pass the legislation.

Through its daily broadcasts, ALTERCOM promotes the rights of women, encouraging women to participate in development and featuring stories to raise consciousness of social justice and gender equality.

APROFES raises awareness of women’s rights including access to healthcare, education and poverty. APROFES also works to stop violence against women and provides counselling and support to victims of gender-based violence.

Over the last two decades, the women’s movement in Senegal has put the rights of women at the centre of public discourse. While women are making inroads, cultural norms and limited access to education continue to undermine the status of women. Gender-based violence remains widespread.

While democracy is slowly beginning to take root in the face of Togo’s authoritarian past, women have yet to be meaningfully included in the process.