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U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the United Nations, and Condemning Violence Against Women

  • Feb 12
  • 4 min read

Updated: Mar 20

Grade Level: 12 (and older)
Duration of video: 8 minutes, 47 seconds

Themes:

  • Sexual violence as a war crime

  • Women’s rights as human rights

  • Accountability of global institutions

  • Moral courage and leadership

  • Speaking up in the face of silence

  • Condemning Violence Against Women

  • World history, women's rights






Photo: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, official U.S. Senate portrait. Public domain image via Wikimedia Commons.


Description:

This lesson examines U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s decision to speak at the United Nations on December 4, 2023, criticizing the UN for failing to condemn sexual violence committed against Israeli and foreign national women during the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks. Students will analyze international human rights law, explore institutional silence, and consider the role of individuals—especially women leaders—in speaking up for justice.



Content Warning:

This lesson discusses sexual violence and is recommended for students in 12th grade and above. It contains sensitive content related to Senator Gillibrand’s speech to the UN on 12/4/2023 about violence against Israeli women and foreign nationals on 10/7/23. Teacher discretion is strongly advised. If you are aware of students who have experienced sexual violence, it is recommended to avoid showing the video or to provide alternative assignments to ensure their emotional safety.


Lesson Plan:


🎯 OBJECTIVES (SWBAT)

🧰 MATERIALS:


📋 LESSON FLOW

  1. Introduction: Setting the Historical Context (Teacher-Led)

    Timeline Overview


    Say:

    Today, we will be learning about how international law, global events, and individual action connect.


    Ask Students:

    • What does this timeline suggest about how long it took for the UN to address sexual violence?

    • Which event stands out to you, and why?


  2. International Law on Sexual Violence (Partner Reading)


    Hand Out:

    Article 1: UN Security Council Resolution 1820 (2008) - Amendment recognizing sexual violence as a war crime (Copy document for each student or provide students with the link.)


    Say:

    Ask students to:


    Partner Discussion Questions:

    1.  What is the main idea of UN Security Council Resolution 1820 (2008) - Amendment recognizing sexual violence as a war crime?

    2.  Why do you think the UN made this change in 2008?


  3. The Silence


    Teacher Says:

    • After the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks, the UN did not immediately issue a public condemnation of the sexual violence committed against Israeli and foreign national women.

    • This silence led to criticism from human rights advocates and women leaders.


  4. U.S. Senator Gillibrand Speaks at the United Nations


    Teacher says:

    • We are going to watch a video of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) speaking at the United Nations - condemning the sexual violence and criticizing the UN’s silence (on 12/4/23).


    Before showing the video, say, “As you watch the video, notice:”

    • What message did Senator Gillibrand send to the UN and the world?


    Show video:


    Whole-Class Discussion (After Video)

  5. The UN Response (Partner Reading)


    Teacher says:

    • In March 2024, the UN released a report acknowledging evidence that terrorists did use rape as a crime of war against Israeli women and foreign nationals during the October 7, 2023 attacks.


    Hand out:


    Say to students:

  6. Whole-Class Discussion Questions


    1. What did the UN finally acknowledge in this report?

    2. Why do you think this acknowledgment took months?

    3. How does this connect to Senator Gillibrand’s earlier speech?

    4. How do Senator Gillibrand’s actions help all women?


  7. Writing Assignment (Short Reflection)


    Prompt (1–2 paragraphs): Sometimes powerful organizations fail to speak up, even when they are meant to protect human rights. Why is it important for individuals - like U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand - to speak out anyway? What responsibility do individuals have when institutions remain silent?







© 2025-2026 

All materials on this website are available for educational use under Creative Commons License CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Educators may download and share the content with attribution, for non-commercial use and instructional purposes, and without modification. Embedding any materials within any website-whether educational, institutional, public, or private-is prohibited without prior written consent of Balanced Learning Resources. Unauthorized embedding or redistribution may violate copyright and licensing terms.


©  2025-2026
All materials on this website are available for educational use under Creative Commons License CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Educators may download and share the content with attribution, for non-commercial use and instructional purposes, and without modification. Embedding any materials within any website-whether educational, institutional, public, or private-is prohibited without prior written consent of Balanced Learning Resources. Unauthorized embedding or redistribution may violate copyright and licensing terms.

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