Silence Is The Enemy was started in June 2009 to draw more attention to the sexually abused around the globe and to encourage everyone to talk about it and act.
We have power and influence in
our words, and we're
able to speak for those who can not. We’re asking all of you—bloggers, writers, teachers and concerned citizens—to use whatever platform you have to call for an
end to the rape and
abuse of women and girls in Liberia and
around the world.
In many regions around the world, rape continues to be used as a weapon. As Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times recently wrote from West Africa, 'it has been easier to get men to relinquish their guns than their sense of sexual entitlement.' The war has shattered norms, training some men to think that 'when they want sex, they need simply to overpower a girl.' An International Rescue Committee survey suggests 12 percent of girls aged 17 and under acknowledged having been sexually abused in some way over the previous 18 months. Further, of the 275 new sexual violence cases treated Jan-April by Doctors Without Borders, 28 percent involve children aged four or younger, and 33 percent involve children aged five through 12. That's 61% age 12 or under. We read about their plight and see the figures, but it's so easy to feel helpless to act in isolation. But these are not statistics, they are girls. Together we can do more. Mass rape persists because of inertia so let's create momentum to stop it.
A blogospheric awareness campaign has commenced to 1) State what’s happening 2) Declare that it's completely monstrous, and 3) Demand change. But acknowledgment isn't enoug—
people have to be motivated to care and act. We want folks thinking about the victims beyond a single morning they read a few coordinated posts.
And so
Silence Is The Enemy was born—so named because we will not be. We'll continue posting information, details, benchmarks and let everyone know about progress made, new initiatives and stories from the region. I encourage others to do so as possible.
The Intersection, On Becoming A Laboratory And Domestic Goddess, Aetiology, Bioephemera, Neurotopia, The Questionable Authority, DrugMonkey, Adventure In Ethics And Science, and Sciencewomen will be donating all revenue from June to Doctors Without Borders. The goal is two-fold: Raising funds and—arguably more importantly—awareness. Since blogging revenue increases with traffic, we people will keep coming back for more information about what's going on and thinking about how to make a difference. Do not feel obligated to donate, but it's one idea. There are many ways to contribute: Write and email Members of Congress (
Congressional Directory here), speak at community meetings, encourage others to get involved, or donate to our chosen charity (
Doctors Without Borders). Help us maximize our donations by visiting
Isis,
Jessica,
Tara,
Neurotopia,
Mike,
DrugMonkey,
Janet,
Sciencewomen and returning
here often because every click will help raise money.
Spread the word. We want to make sure elected officials at multiple levels realize this is a global issue that matters to a large voting constituency!
We encourage readers and bloggers to join us, publicize, and speak out in a growing collective voice. Already many science bloggers, social justice groups, writers, and others have agreed take up the call. If you compose a post, make sure to email me at
srkirshenbaum@yahoo.com with the link so I can add your blog to our growing membership. Everyone is encouraged to get involved and dream up creative ways to participate.
Will you join us?
