Tahirih celebrates the bi-partisan passage of the reuathorization of the Violence Against Women Act in the House of Representatives.

By directing the U.S. government to create a coordinated, comprehensive, and concerted strategy to reduce violence, I-VAWA would have a powerful impact on the suffering of millions of women worldwide who face horrific abuses.

In cooperation with more than 70 partner organizations, Tahirih Justice Center urged Congress on Tuesday to pass the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) and ratify the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), two key tools to protect women and girls around the world from gender-based violence.

To multiply Tahirih’s public policy capacity, and to provide critical financial support to sustain and strengthen these important efforts, Tahirih has launched a dynamic new Public Policy Council.

If passed, I-VAWA will, for the first time in United States history, make ending violence against women a diplomatic priority and incorporate comprehensive solutions aimed at ending domestic violence into all US foreign assistance programs.

Twelve Tahirih clients are among the first in the nation to receive U visas, a vital legal protection for immigrant women and girls who face numerous obstacles in fleeing violence.

Discussions are underway about how to strengthen the Violence Against Women Act to better protect survivors of violence, and Tahirih is a vital voice.