Addressing Gender Based Violence in our Cities

Gender-based violence remains endemic around the world, with an estimated 30+% of women facing some form of gender violence in her lifetime. As the situation facing women worsens - for example during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic calls to domestic violence helplines increased by 48% in Chicago, 97% in Mexico City, and 84% in Buenos Aires- and population increases, the cities have a unique opportunity to address gender-based violence through policy and practice. City-led efforts can mitigate inequalities, address violence, and assure sufficient municipal services and support for survivors.

In light of the current context, The Carter Center, Peace in Our Cities Network, and the Gender Institute for Teaching and Advocacy at Metropolitan State University of Denver, will organize a panel session focused on the challenges, practices and strategies across cities in the Americas to prevent and address gender-based violence. Presenters will examine the institutional policies, grassroots actions, and organizational responses that are needed to reduce violence, support survivors, and assure that municipal services reach those in greatest need. Together, we will explore the role of cities in addressing and preventing gender-based violence; sharing innovative ideas - such as the Inform Women, Transform Lives campaign and implementation lessons learned from city-based departments of violence prevention.

This multidisciplinary panel will feature the recent work of city governments and leaders, scholars, and activists to consider various initiatives, municipal policies, and evidence-based strategies, seeking ways to end gender-based violence in our cities.

Interpretation will be available in Spanish.

Invited Speakers:

Hon. Ricardo Nunes, Mayor, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Fernando Straface, Secretary-General of Foreign Affairs, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Vanessa Ibarra, Executive Director, Mayor's Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, Atlanta, GA

Sara Rose Serin-Christ, Gender-Based Violence Program Planner, Department of Violence Prevention, Oakland, CA

Katherine Miller, Victim Services Coordinator, Phoenix Center, and Adjunct Faculty MSU Denver

Nallely Diosdado, MSU Denver Student, minor in Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

MSU Denver - Tivoli 440, 900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, United States