Gender-based violence is a serious human rights violation experienced by women and girls in all countries and cultures of the world. Its sheer scale is staggering: it affects one in three women during the course of their life. Violence often takes place in secret, behind closed doors and within their own four walls. Many victims remain silent for fear of further violence and additional reprisals because the perpetrators are often their own husbands or partners.

16 days of action against gender-based violence

The EMS member churches support a number of projects that promote the protection and empowerment of women and girls. Together we want to help ensure that women and girls are protected from physical and sexual abuse - whether at home, at school, at work or on the streets.

We are therefore appealing for your help on the occasion of the "International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women". This global day of action, which many organisations and interest groups take part in and is celebrated every year on 25 November, is accompanied by a 16-day campaign. Its aim is to break the silence, stop the stigma and end sexual and gender-based violence.

We would like to introduce you to three projects that the EMS community is supporting to empower women in a targeted and local way. What is developed and created in these projects has a lasting effect and allows women to lead a self-determined life in dignity and safety. Your donation will help women at local level.

Ghana

Empowering women - in the Presbyterian Church (PCG) of Ghana this means: women can raise their earnings and create their own livelihood by participating in a small animal rearing project. "Helping people to help themselves" is the motto of the project. The church workers in charge of the project supervise and support the participants for two years. The women are then able to continue their small business on their own. For more information, visit the project's site.

India

Empowering women - in the Church of South India (CSI) this means: more equality through education. During a programme of courses, the women learn practical life skills such as how to plant vegetables, how to use a computer and handicrafts. However, the timetable also includes legal counselling, health education, environmental protection, Bible studies and cultural topics. For more information, visit the project's site.

Malaysia

Empowering women – in the Basel Mission – German Branch (BMDZ) this means to work in cooperation with local partner organizations for the rights and protection of vulnerable women in Malaysia and Indonesia. Human trafficking, exploitative working conditions, spousal abuse: violence against women has many faces. The project supports women affected by violence. It advocates for women's rights and overcoming domestic violence. It helps to improve the often undignified working conditions of female migrant workers. For more information, visit the project's site.

We are pleased to hear that you are interested in the work of the EMS. If you have any general questions, please use the contact form below. We are also happy to help you personally if you have any questions or require further information – by phone or by E-mail.