Take action against so-called “honor killings”

Dear Tracy, Killed by her family for going against their wishes to marry the man of her choosing. Murdered at the hands of relatives for having been raped. These rationales for horrifying injustice exist today and are major threats for women where so-called "honor killings" occur. The global community needs to address violence against women head on. Tell President Obama: Make a statement expressing concern for the safety of women worldwide, including those subjected to harmful practices such as so-called "honor killings." In many places, a woman's identity and her family's sense of social respect and worth is measured by her submission to family demands—so she is further at risk when making choices against family wishes. Because these murders are often committed by relatives, they consistently are crimes that happen in the privacy of the home. It is time to shine a light on abuses like these and to denounce violence against women globally in both word and action. Call on President Obama to condemn violence against women on March 8, International Women's Rights Day. We must join together as a global community to challenge violence against women, including physical and sexual violence, and harmful practices such as so-called "honor killings", domestic violence, rape, female genital cutting, and human trafficking. On March 8, International Women's Rights Day, we again have the opportunity to elevate women's safety worldwide and denounce violence against women. Take action today. In Solidarity, Kaitlyn Denzler Women's Human Rights Campaigner Amnesty International USA