Bringing gender equity center stage
“One of the biggest problems with domestic abuse is that people don’t talk about it. It’s insidious, stigmatized and hushed.” – Justin Vernon
Bringing gender equity center stage
2 A Billion is a campaign created by Bon Iver to raise support, awareness, and person-to-person connections in an effort to end gender inequality, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.
We strive to make a positive impact by helping uncover the scope and severity concerning domestic violence and sexual abuse worldwide. The global ramifications of ongoing gender inequity take away marginalized genders’ voices; reinforcing systematic violence, producing substandard health practices, and deny womxn education and leadership opportunities across all sectors.
We encourage community-driven, creative action to provide unique perspectives about complex topics. We believe every individual can take steps big or small, courageous or delicate, to have an impact -and collectively- we can close the book on gender inequality.
Awareness
Abuse can take many forms. It happens through use of physical force, emotionally harmful statements, sexual exploitation, financial means to harm, manipulation, or control. Abuse affects individuals of every community, age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, and race.
Abuse is not just an individual issue, it’s a community issue. Mass media and cultural standards often normalize domestic violence, particularly against womxn. In fact, 1 in 4 womxn will experience abuse in their lifetime.
By acknowledging the pervasiveness of domestic violence and sexual abuse, their harmful effects, and the influences that reinforce violence against womxn, we can take the first steps towards a safer, healthier future for everyone.
To learn more:
Action
Speak Up, Step Up, Do Your Part
Change can begin with one person, one voice, and one action. 2 A Billion, Bon Iver, and our nonprofit partners have identified steps everyone can take to do their part in this cause.
Recognizing Abuse
Physical harm or intimidation: Using force or intimidation of force against a person, their loved ones, or their pets.
Emotional Abuse: Insults, restrictive and controlling behavior such as limiting time with friends and family, telling a partner they are dependent or worthless without them, or any other actions that aim to cause emotional harm and dependence.
Abuse may also take the form of financial manipulation, sexual coercion, or digital harassment. Bottom line, if an individual feels unsafe or trapped in a relationship, abuse may be occurring. Learn more about the being an active bystander, behaviors of an abusive partner, and warning signs.
Donate
Make a financial contribution to one of our partners. These organizations are doing incredible work providing services for survivors and advocating for a future without sexual abuse, domestic violence, and gender inequality. Explore all of our partners here or view some highlights below.
Advocacy
Systemic problems require systems to change
Policy, culture and media all contribute to and reinforce patterns of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and gender inequality. Anyone can and should be an advocate for change.
These organizations are a great place to start:
– Visit the National Organization for Women’s National Action Program. This site lays out instructions for how to make a difference on a variety of pressing womxn’s rights issues.
– Visit RAINN’s Action Center to learn about and take action on current legislation related to domestic violence and sexual assault.
– Visit Amnesty International’s page on Gender, Sexuality, & Identity to learn about their work advocating for reform to advance equality and safety.
– Learn about our network of nonprofit partners.