Violence Against Women

The International Campaign to Stop Rape and Gender Violence in Conflict yesterday called on the African Union to prioritise conflict-related rape, saying it was a barrier in building peace and security.

The co-chair of the campaign, Ms Jody Williams, said: “Until we commit to ending rape and other forms of gender-based violence, we are not going to be able to build healthy and safe communities that contribute to economic development and empower women and girls to reach their full potential.”

A delegation of 25 campaign members from across the continent gathered in Addis Ababa at the 20th summit to highlight the need for African leaders to take a strong stance against rape.

The summit will focus on recent surges of violence in the DR Congo, the border dispute between Sudan and South Sudan and the recent war in Mali where cases of rape have become common.

The campaign crusaders have urged AU leaders to act collectively and encourage member states to take their own initiative to prevent rape, protect their citizens and prosecute those responsible for gender violence.
“Our leaders must show leadership and prove that they have the future well-being of Africa and African women in mind,” Ms Pauline Kamau, executive director of Green Belt Movement in Kenya, said.

It has been reported that women in DR Congo are on the frontlines of violence as the M23 rebellion threatens the east.

Numbers of women and girls attacked is spiking while the region argues over a military intervention.
According to Heal Africa, which runs a hospital for rape victims in the eastern city of Goma, last year said it had registered 2,517 rape cases in the first half of 2012.

The civil war in Mali is a direct threat to women’s safety and security, with women again being targeted for sexual violence.

The women are demanding that AU should bring real change to the women at the grassroots level during the summit.