New Women’s Centre Launched at London School of Economics by Angelina Jolie
by Sangeeta Haindl
Rape and sexual violence are used as tactics of war in conflicts across the world. Sadly, sexual violence is often used for political ends, as a means of ethnic cleansing and to terrorise local communities. It’s a devastating act that destroys lives, fuels further conflict, creates refugees, jeopardises ceasefires and undermines long-term prospects for reconciliation. Sexual violence affects men, women and children. All too often, the victims face a life of shame and stigma while the perpetrators go free. Only a handful of people responsible for these crimes have ever been brought to trial. As a result, those who order or carry out rape and sexual violence in conflict expect to get away with it.
Now, William Hague, the U.K. Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, and Angelina Jolie Pitt, Hollywood actor, director and international women’s rights campaigner, have launched a new Centre for Women, Peace and Security at the London School of Economics (LSE). It will be hosted in LSE’s new Institute of Global Affairs, which will offer an MSc program in women, peace and security from 2016.The Centre is the first of its kind and its main aim is to boost the global campaign for women's rights and empowerment, abolishing the use of sexual violence as a weapon.
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Photo Credit: Gov.UK
Sangeeta Haindl writes on social innovation, social enterprise, and social entrepreneurs. She is the owner of Serendipity PR, in London, U.K., where she works with high-profile brands and organizations in the public, non-profit, and corporate sectors, winning awards for her work from the communications industry. She describes herself as a Spiritual Entrepreneur, Conscious Explorer, and Futurist. She enjoys helping others, paying it forward, and being a mum.
