TrustLaw live blog

@a.jordao If you substitute the word "injustice" for the word "oppression" in your post, I'm with you. But I'm not sure it's about having "half". To me, addressing women's issues, regardless of what they are (access to power vs access to food, shelter, education, and health care), benefits everyone.

And I have to go for a couple of hours. I will pop back in later. Don't want to miss all of this. I'm learning a lot.

My motto this year is "Give us the money we deserve" and the rest -- safety, independence, health, less housework :) etc.-- will follow.

@Lindsey @Verna @Katherine Good bye. Thank you for your contributions

@Lindsey Nefesh-Clarke We will definitely stay in touch!

Oh, yes, thanks Julie for doing this and Women of the World Unite (sic)!

@Susan Auer that sounds yummy, wish i were there

@Carla, Welcome to the IWD blog! I wish that you were here in cold, snowy Eagan Minnesota as well. The conversations on the blog have been fascinating! Thank you for joining us Carla! And, thank you for hosting the Women Who Lunch earlier this year ... WWL or Women Who Lunch is an event sponsored by the Women @ Thomson Reuters Eagan to bring in a senior leader and hear their story. Carla shared her story earlier this year and moved a room full of women! Fabulous conversation! I particularly enjoyed the part of your conversation in which you shared about work/life balance and creating space for the next amazing opportunity. Thank you, Carla and WELCOME to the blog!

@Julie, Will send a few chocolates your way. That is, if there are any left. This is a group of women after all. :)

@tracey mollins Which bridge is it on?

The Vagina Monologues in Toronto tonight - www.blogto.com

From Ana Elena Badilla, Gender Advisor, Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office, UNFPA

Gender based violence (GBV) is a form of discrimination which takes on many shapes – physical, sexual, psychological and economic - and violates the human rights of women and girls in all parts of the world. It is one of the most extreme manifestations of pervasive discrimination against women and girls. It occurs in all countries at all stages of development, and threatens the rights and well-being of women, both rich and poor. As many as one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex, or abused in some other way - most often by someone she knows, including by her husband or another male family member. GBV may prevent women from fully participating economically and hinder opportunities for employment. GBV not only impoverishes women, but their families, communities and nations alike. It lowers economic productivity, drains resources from public services and employers, and reduces human capital formation. Women who experience violence suffer a range of health problems and their ability to participate in public life is diminished. Women who have experienced violence are at higher risk of contracting HIV, while fear of violence also prevents them from accessing HIV and AIDS information and receiving treatment and counselling.

The elimination of GBV requires a comprehensive, systematic and determined response. Good practices for preventing and responding to GBV have emerged from many countries around the world. Among the most essential measures includes enacting clear policies and laws; establishing strong enforcement mechanisms; hiring effective and well-trained personnel; and involving many parts of government and the community - including men and boys. Awareness raising and the provision of comprehensive services are also critical for effective prevention and response to the issue.

UNFPA has consistently advocated that gender-based violence is a major health and human rights violation. The Fund is one of the key United Nations agencies leading global efforts on this issue. As part of its work with the Inter-Agency Network on Women and Gender Equality, UNFPA co-chairs the Inter-agency Violence Against Women Task Force. It is a key partner in the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign, a worldwide, multi-year effort led by the United Nations Secretary-General. UNFPA is a member of Stop Rape Now: UN Action to Stop Sexual Violence in Conflicts. The Fund works to implement Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1889 on women, peace and security and Resolutions 1820 and 1889, which call for an immediate halt to all acts of sexual violence against women and girls in conflicts. UNFPA addresses gender-based violence, particularly domestic and sexual violence, by supporting countries to improve policies, protection systems, legal enforcement and sexual and reproductive health and HIV-prevention services, including in emergency and post-emergency situations. UNFPA is leading a joint programming initiative which is being undertaken to address violence against women in 10 countries, involving all relevant stakeholders at the national level, including Government actors, the United Nations Country Team and civil society stakeholders.

Related Publications: unfpa.org

Related video: video.unfpa.org

Honoring Women Worldwide's IWD event is Daring Dialogue, Real Conversations on 3/24. Join our panel as we discuss the real conversations women need to have to change the tide of hatred and fear that prevails in our world. Visit www.honoringwomenworldwide.org for more information and to register!

@Susan Auer Not cold today!

One of the best bosses I ever had was a very talented woman who was our CEO. She was one of several C-level women at this technology-based company in the Bay Area. The CEO, CFO, CMO, HR SVP and Consulting SVP were all women. The only males were sales exec and me(CTO). It was a great experience. It was a talented team that was as interested in the "how" as the "what".

@rick.king Great points Rick. Do you find this is the case outside the U.S.