Citation

Zhang L. Womens Stud. Int. Forum 2009; 32(3): 227-239.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.wsif.2009.05.017

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Domestic Violence Network (DVN) is a Chinese women's NCO that has emerged in response to the transnational women's human rights movement against violence against women. This article discusses and analyzes the socio-political processes of DVN's "translation" of the transnational issue frame of "violence against women" in its local programs. It reviews DVN's gender and human rights advocacy across three of its major areas of activism-research, gender training and legal advocacy. Moreover, it examines how DVN collaborates with state agencies, especially the governmental women's organization, to transform its advocacy into policy action. In particular, the article raises questions about the potential costs of this "politics of engagement;" arguing that this relationship with the state may dilute DVN's gender and human rights advocacy as well as curb its political autonomy in future activism. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.