Readers React: Congress should stand up for the world’s women

Bravo to The Times editorial board for speaking truth to power on violence against women globally. It’s nothing short of inexcusable that Congress has yet to pass the International Violence Against Women Act. (“Want to help protect women worldwide? Apparently, Congress doesn’t.,” Editorial, June 9)

As an advocate for the bill, for years I’ve heard congressional office after congressional office give excuses as to why they can’t back the bill right now. That may be changing. There’s more bipartisan support for this legislation than ever before.

What’s absolutely clear is that the stream of horror stories of rape and abuse from around the globe is near constant. It is not urgency that’s lacking; it’s political will and humanity.

This bill will get passed only when a tidal wave of Americans demand that their members of Congress act for the world’s women and girls.

Ritu Sharma

Washington

The writer is co-founder and president of Women Thrive Worldwide.

I applaud your editorial page for drawing attention to the global epidemic of violence against women and the need for Congress to pass the International Violence Against Women Act.

Recently when visiting rural Oaxaca, Mexico, I sat in a healing circle with women waging an inspiring battle against abuse in their communities and heard firsthand how a shift in U.S. policy could greatly help. I and my colleagues have heard this many times from organizations we support and visit around the world.

The good news is that in my outreach for the act, Republicans and Democrats alike agree that this bill makes sense; it is just a question of summoning the political will. The women I met in Mexico cannot wait.

Robyn Samuels

Tarzana

The writer is a global justice fellow at American Jewish World Service.