Eliminating violence against women has long been a goal of the United States. The U.S. Government recognizes that the equal participation of women in the political, economic and social spheres of society is a key ingredient for democratic development. At the same time, unless women fully enjoy their human rights, to which freedom from violence is inextricably bound, then progress toward development will continue to fall short. For more information on the International Day Against Violence Against Women and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence which runs from International Day Against Violence Against Women (November 25) and ends on International Human Rights Day (December 10), go to: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/wid/16days.html and http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_health/pop/news/16days/index.html.