The Opening Plenary will address the complex linkages between violence against women and a range of structural issues like economic security, access to health and educational opportunity. Panelists will provide a framework for how ongoing systems of global militarization contribute to violence as well as the manipulation of culture, religion and politics that generate harmful practices against women. Speakers will provide concrete strategies to mitigate violence and suggest ways to build critical coalitions and partnerships. Moderator: Linda Basch, National Council for Research on Women Speakers Radhika Balakrishnan, Center for Global Women’s Leadership Anika Rahman, Americans for UNFPA Joanne Sandler, UNIFEM