Women for Women International
Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict
This document presents our recommendations for ending sexual violence in conflict, based on evidence from our programmes and experience from working with more than 447,000 marginalised women survivors since 1993.
Sexual Violence in Conflict Sexual violence in conflict is commonly associated with the phrase ‘rape as a weapon of war’. In reality, the issue of sexual violence in conflict is much more complex and covers a wide range of abuses. Rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced sterilisation and “any other forms of sexual violence of comparable gravity” are recognised by the International Criminal Court both as crimes against humanity and as war crimes. Sexual violence in conflict happens both as a result of general lawlessness and as a political or military tactic. It is not specific to any era, culture or continent. As a form of gender-based violence, sexual violence in conflict (whether perpetrated by combatants or civilians) arises from the same social norms that tolerate other forms of violence against women such as domestic violence, forced marriage, slavery or trafficking. As a tactic, sexual violence is used to destroy families and communities by targeting women and girls in conflict. At one extreme, this could mean erasing future generations by rape or forced sterilisation (recognised as acts of genocide). Sexual violence can also be an effective tool in breaking up communities and subjugating women through fear and stigma.
Photograph © Millie Harvey
Stigma is a social mark that can expose people to discrimination and abuse. Whilst the stigma itself may be invisible, the impact for survivors of sexual violence can be profound. In this context, stigma is closely linked to the social value attached to women and girls’ sexual purity. It is the survivor of violence, not the criminal who bears the stigma. This can cause mental illness and emotional trauma; in some cases, survivors have been forced to marry their abuser to prevent further ‘shame’ for the family. Other costs to the survivor can include exclusion or isolation from her family and community, limits on her ability to generate income and barriers to engagement with community governance and decision-making processes.
“Conflict-related sexual violence has been one of history’s greatest silences. Absent from ceasefire agreements, dismissed from disarmament programmes and rarely mentioned in peace negotiations, it is a war tactic that lingers long after the guns have fallen silent.” UN Action Progress Report (2013 – 14)
• According to a UN report published in January, an estimated 3,500 people are currently being held in sexual slavery by ISIS, predominantly Yezidi women and children. • From April to September 2015, the UN recorded more than 1,300 reports of rape in South Sudan’s Unity state alone, which is home to an estimated 1.2m people. More than half of those living in Unity are internally displaced people (c.559,000) or refugees from other countries (c.101,000) according to UN agencies. • The UN Special Rapporteur on Rwanda, Rene Degni-Segui, estimated between 250,000 and 500,000 cases of rape during the 100 days of genocide in Rwanda in 1994, noting that “Rape was the rule, and its absence the exception”. High numbers of rape were also reported by doctors immediately after the genocide.
Photograph and front cover © Millie Harvey
RECENT EXAMPLES OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT
Our Work and Sexual Violence in Conflict Women for Women International was set up in 1993 to help survivors of sexual violence during the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the belief that stronger women build stronger nations. We recognise sexual violence in conflict as a form of violence against women and girls (VAWG), which they experience throughout their lives and at varying levels of intensity, from harassment to rape or murder. Gender also intersects with other characteristics for discrimination (such as age, ethnicity, or disability) thereby increasing vulnerability to violence. Experiences of violence are rarely one-offs and can make survivors more vulnerable to future abuses. Violence against women and girls is the biggest block to the realisation of women’s rights. To effectively end VAWG, including sexual violence in conflict, we have to challenge the harmful and discriminatory social norms that tolerate or permit abuses of women and girls. We will only achieve this by promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. Since 1993, Women for Women International has worked with more than 447,000 women survivors of conflict in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kosovo, Iraq, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Sudan. We support the most marginalised women to earn and save money, improve health and well-being, influence decisions in their home and community, and connect to networks for support. Our year-long programme equips women to earn money, regain their confidence and actively participate in their communities. We additionally provide referral services to women, connecting them to health and financial services.
In our programmes today, we neither ask nor record if the women we work with are survivors of sexual violence in conflict due to the sensitivities and risks around identifying survivors of violence, such as exposure to reprisals or stigma. For women who do come forward and seek further help, we offer a range of referrals to specialist service providers. In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, we are working with local women’s organisations to run gender based violence workshops with Yezidi women, many of whom have been subject to such abuse.
Photograph © Fjona Hill
The foundational support that we provide through our core programme and bringing women together in a safe space has helped graduates to disclose abuse and seek help through referral systems. In some cases, this has been many years after the conflict has ended.
MARIE* Women for Women International – DRC Graduate When armed forces invaded Eastern DRC, they killed many from the small town of Kasika including Marie’s husband. They took her, with many other women, into the forest and raped them over two weeks. Marie and some of the women escaped when the group attacked another village, “But they came to find us. There were 77 women who were taken again by force. They locked us in a house and set fire to it.” She was one of 7 women who survived the fire and made their way to Bukavu. “My husband’s relatives said that I brought a curse on their family. They said it was because of me that my husband was killed so I am a misfortune to the family of my husband… I was living in Bukavu with my husband’s brother but he said he had to kill me because the death of his brother was due to me. I decided to leave because otherwise he would kill me.” Through the Women for Women International programme, Marie says she has learnt the importance of social networks and “that, despite being a widow, I still have life in front of me. I didn’t know that with little money, anyone can start income generation but this is what I am doing today.” By learning to cook, she believes she will be able to look after her children and herself, “I plan – I have a dream of getting a compound for myself.” *For privacy and security concerns, names have been changed and photos are representatives but not images of individuals mentioned.
Photograph © Alison Baskerville
Protection We call on governments to ensure international laws are upheld and implemented to protect women in war and conflict zones.
Partnership
Photograph © Women for Women International
We demand a monumental increase in resources for women’s rights groups to respond to the needs of sexual violence survivors and challenge the harmful norms that underpin violence against women.
We recognise that all survivors of sexual violence in conflict have a right to be heard. Their voices must influence decisions that affect their futures and they are entitled to justice for the abuse they have survived.
Photograph © Charles Atiki Lomodong
Participation
Prevention
Photograph © Harvey, Custot
We work with men and women to break down the social norms that portray abuse as ‘normal’ or part of ‘tradition’. Preventing violence against women requires a widespread change of attitudes.
Based on our experience and expertise, we make the following recommendations for ending sexual violence in conflict:
Protection
We want to see international laws upheld and implemented to protect women in war and conflict zones. We call on governments to take action to protect women affected by conflict and support the protection of their rights. Sexual violence is a human rights violation and is illegal in and out of conflict. International bodies and national governments have established a firm base of human rights laws which criminalise sexual violence in conflict, particularly through international laws (such as the Women, Peace and Security Framework) as well as by case law set by international justice mechanisms (such as the International Criminal Tribunal of Rwanda). National governments have endorsed these protections and many have made some efforts to implement them into their own legal frameworks. But, despite all of these standards, justice is often not served and survivors are not protected. Prosecutors fail to investigate and charge perpetrators because the crime is not taken seriously. Survivors do not come forward when they lack confidence in the police and justice systems. We are calling for women’s rights to be protected in reality, not just on paper. Access to safe, supportive and confidential justice systems for women is paramount to supporting survivors to come forward. Women survivors of sexual violence in conflict need support to speak out. According to a 2015 survey, many of our Country Offices reported that the poor state of legal and judicial institutions and services failed to support survivors in seeking justice. In many countries, the lack of professional support places the burden of proof on victims. Breaking the silence that surrounds sexual violence in conflict will not only help women to access the support they need, but also enable them to seek acknowledgment and justice for the abuse they have experienced. Building stronger justice systems so that governments are able to implement their commitments is particularly important. Many of our Country Offices report lack of support for survivors, such as an absence of witness protection (which protects survivors at risk of reprisal) or placing the burden of proof on survivors, not the prosecution. In many of the countries where we work, marital rape is not recognised under the law as rape. In Afghanistan, for example, the only form of rape criminalised under the Penal Code is ‘forced’ zina (adultery). Responding to the survey, our Country Offices did not report an increase in prosecutions at a national or local level over the last 3-5 years, but instead noted increases in national cases leading to judgements of not guilty (based on technicalities), minimal sentencing or early release. Effective implementation of protections is therefore much more than numbers of successful prosecutions, and it must go hand in hand with a survivor-centred approach that rebuilds confidence in the policy and judicial systems and ensures that survivors are safe and protected as they seek justice.
Participation All survivors of sexual violence in conflict have a right to be heard, their voices must influence decisions that affect their futures and they are entitled to justice for the abuse they have survived. The portrayal of women in conflict can be too simplistic. Women play a variety of roles in conflict, including as survivors of violence, witnesses, peacekeepers, police and soldiers, service providers and change-makers rebuilding communities and preventing further conflict. Women’s participation in decision-making processes is a fundamental right. As highlighted by the UN Security Council, there is growing evidence that suggests that women’s meaningful participation in peace talks supports more sustainable peace, accelerates post-conflict economic growth and counters violent extremism. Yet women continue to be marginalised from decision-making at all levels, and are often side-lined or given tokenistic representation. Ordinary women from rural communities, like the women we serve, are rarely consulted. Survivors of sexual violence in conflict have a right to be heard in these processes. High profile judicial processes like the International Criminal Tribunal of Rwanda may take place on the other side of the world, seemingly inaccessible to the women most deeply invested in their outcomes. It is vital for survivor groups and women’s organisations to be actively included in the processes that make these decisions and in ensuring survivors are kept informed. Women’s influence over decision-making is an important indicator of empowerment and a core part of our work. We have seen how, through the support we provide, even the most marginalised women can become agents of change in their households and communities.
“At the community level, I am active, especially in some cases related to women. I advise women, and people in the community are happy about my activities.” Graduate from Kapisa, Afghanistan
Our monitoring and evaluation data shows promising results: 58%
88%
$
$ 73%
94%
Women who graduated in 2015 reported increases in being involved in household decision making on family planning (from 58% to 88%) and finances (from 73% to 94%) between enrolment and graduation (global averages) i.
Prevention Where women are seen as less than human, less than men, there you will find abuse. This is true across the world, regardless of conflict. Harmful social norms, held by all members in a community are the unwritten rules that shape perceptions and behaviour. When abuse of women’s rights is seen as ‘normal’ or part of ‘tradition’ or ‘culture’ (by both men and women), violence against women is widespread and impunity levels are high as it is not taken seriously. Preventing violence against women requires changing attitudes and breaking down the social norms that perpetuate and tolerate the abuse. It is not possible to effectively challenge discrimination and inequality in a community by working with women alone. A sustainable approach to changing harmful social norms for good must involve both women and men. Our men’s engagement programme: Women for Women International first piloted a men’s engagement programme in Nigeria in 2002, which has since been rolled out to all our countries. We work with a variety of male leaders (e.g. traditional, military, or religious leaders, as well as family members of women participants) providing them with training in women’s rights and gender equality. Almost 14,000 men have been reached since the programme began. Our men’s engagement activities vary between countries, but generally involves a trickledown approach. In Afghanistan, for example, we engage influential male community and religious leaders through a three-month direct training programme with classes every fortnight. The men discuss topics including women’s property rights, violence against women, forced and early marriage, and women’s right to education, work and political participation. The curriculum is grounded in Islam, quoting verses from the Qur’an to underscore specific aspects of women’s rights. Selected graduates of this core men’s engagement programme are then trained to lead “step-down” discussion groups with local men to discuss issues around women’s rights, multiplying the reach of the initial training.
With support from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, we recently revised and strengthened our monitoring and evaluation processes for our men’s engagement work. The results are promisingii: 6%
99% 15%
99% of Afghan men participants reported positive attitudes regarding women’s role in family decision-making compared to only 6% at enrolment.
39%
At graduation, 39% of Afghan men participants reported taking action to share information with their community about the effects of violence against women compared to only 15% at enrolment.
Photograph © Harvey, Custot
PARTICIPANTS OF OUR MEN’S ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME IN AFGHANISTAN
“One day I came home from the city and my wife was not at home, I was very angry and asked my son, ‘Where is your mother?’ He told me ‘I don`t know!’ I lost my temper and as soon as she arrived home and without asking a single question I beat her. She was pregnant, and unfortunately with this act she had a miscarriage. During this programme I got a lot of information, for example about justice and equality, inheritance law, positive outcomes of women’s education and marriage from the Islamic perspective. For all this knowledge gained from participating in the Men’s Engagement Programme, I am thankful to Women for Women International and your efforts. Now I have a pleasant and happy environment at home. This is the most effective method to stop violence against women and promote women’s value in society”. A graduate from our Men’s Engagement Programme in Afghanistan
Partnership We demand a monumental increase in resources for women’s rights organisations and networks to improve response to the needs of sexual violence survivors. This includes supporting them through legal processes, and conduct wider advocacy work to challenge the discriminatory norms that underpin all forms of violence against women. This will only be achieved when donors provide adequate and accessible funding for women’s groups and develop long-term partnerships with them to affect real and lasting change. The women we work with face many challenges. They are often solely responsible for the well-being of their family, providing the household income as well as taking on the traditional ‘women’s role’ of caring. Despite this responsibility, they experience multiple barriers in influencing decisions in their homes and communities. Breaking the bonds of isolation through building networks with other women is crucial. With the support and solidarity of their peers, women are better able to respond to violence, participate in decision-making and make their voices heard. In the conflict-affected countries where we work, government and formal services can be virtually absent. This means that women’s groups are also the first port of call for other women looking for support. Women for Women International Country Offices, in response to our 2015 survey, highlighted the important role that civil society plays in educating, raising awareness, supporting local leaders to implement national policies, providing services and advocating for change. Women’s groups and networks are also a driving force for change. Studies have supported the impact of women’s movements in driving national and local measures to address violence against women. For example, one recent study argued that feminist activism was more important than left-wing parties, numbers of women legislators or national wealth in reducing violence against women (Htun and Weldon, 2013). Despite this evidence, local NGOs, particularly women’s rights organisations, receive little support and funding. According to a forthcoming study by Gendernet (a subsidiary of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s development assistance committee), just 0.5% ($192m) of the $35.5bn provided by major donor governments went to women’s groups in developing countries in 2014.
“Before we had no idea what a group of women can achieve together and change in their community. The women of this village are stronger than ever, and I hope this is just the beginning.” Graduate from Begracë, Kosovo
Photograph Š Women for Women International
Our monitoring and evaluation data shows promising results:
5%
84%
5% of women at enrolment reported educating another woman on her rights in the last 12 months, compared to 84% at graduation (global averages, M&E data).
30%
60%
60% of women graduates reported currently participating in a neighbourhood/community group compared to 30% at enrolment (global averages, M&E data).
Photograph Š Mark Darrough
“Break the silence. When you witness violence against women and girls, do not sit back. Act.” UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon
Join our movement We urgently need more funding to help women survivors of war. There are more than 3,000 women currently waiting to enrol in our year-long training programme. • Sponsor a woman through our year-long training programme. Your monthly
donation of £22 could help her learn the skills to support her family and transform her life. www.womenforwomen.org.uk/sponsor
• Join the global sisterhood and lend your voice to create a chain of inspiration. We need to speak out against injustices that women survivors of war face. Show your support. Stand with us. Join the sisterhood! www.womenforwomen.org.uk/sisterhood
• Help us engage men as allies – A donation of £1,000 could pay for the
training of 10 male community leaders as champions for women’s empowerment. www.womenforwomen.org.uk/donate
i This analysis includes a set of 6,438 participants who graduated from Women for Women International’s social and economic empowerment programme in 2015, representing approximately 31% of all 2015 graduates. Data are selfreported and are gathered on a geographically stratified sample of participants at enrolment and graduation. Reported personal earnings at graduation include the $10 monthly stipend in all countries except Kosovo. For the question on reported practice of family planning, we exclude the 18-27% of respondents who report family planning as being N/A to them at the time of the survey. Only participants who were tracked and surveyed at both of these points in time are included in this analysis. Our Monitoring, Research, and Evaluation team is engaged in ongoing efforts to establish the effects of our programmes more definitively. ii Pre- and post-training surveys conducted with 560 male leaders trained by Women for Women International in 2015 in Afghanistan. 576 responses were taken at enrolment. Women for Women International-Afghanistan reached 1,060 men through engagement activities in 2015.
Seve is a Yezidi woman we are working with in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where we also work with Syrian women refugees.
Photograph Š Alison Baskerville
Many of the women we are working with there are survivors of sexual violence and the project is providing much needed psycho-social support, as well as life-skills and business training.
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Women for Women International UK is a registered charity (charity registration no. 1115109) and a company limited by guarantee (company registration no. 05650155) registered in England and Wales. Our registered office is 32-36 Loman Street, London, SE1 0EH. www.womenforwomen.org.uk