AkiDwA calls for independent status for migrant women experiencing domestic violence

Published: Saturday, November 27, 2010

Today, 25 November, the United Nation's International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, AkiDwA calls on the Government to provide independent status to migrant women experiencing domestic violence whose legal residency status is dependent on their spouse.

"Migrant women with dependent spouse residency status should be able to access independent status, have the right to work and have access to emergency housing. A woman should not be trapped in a violent relationship because she fears losing her right to live in Ireland," said Salome Mbugua, CEO, AkiDwA, the migrant's women's network in Ireland. One in five women experiences domestic violence in Ireland which can include physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse, primarily at the hands of an intimate male partner. Frontline domestic violence services in Ireland are increasingly supporting migrant women who are experiencing violence by their spouse/partner.

AkiDwA is hosting the 'Migrant Women's Seminar on Activism in Addressing Gender Based Violence in Ireland' on 25 November. The half day seminar, to be held at the European Union House in Dublin, will look at gender based violence as a human rights issue at local, national regional and international levels. AkiDwA's gender based violence work also focuses on matters related to female genital mutilation (FGM). AkiDwA awaits pending legislation from the Government to prohibit female genital mutilation in Ireland. Based on CSO and other relevant population data, AkiDwA estimates 3,170 women living in Ireland to have undergone female genital mutilation in their country of origin. "Legislation to prohibit female genital mutilation in Ireland will support our work with healthcare professionals and the practicing community to protect children and women at risk," said Salome Mbugua.

For more information please contact Salome Mbugua at 0874150906 or 01 8148582 or visit the AkiDwA website at www.akidwa.ie.