A few conversation starters answered questions on sexual violence in war zones and any interventions that have made a difference in this affliction. Several war zones are discussed where the concern is a lack of interventions.
The international community has just finished Violence Against Women Awareness month (October). It is crucial that the topic stays on the international agenda. This is why the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is teaming up with WomenWatch, an project of the United Nations Inter-agency Network on Women and Gender Equality to host a dialogue for those affected, interested or working on violence against women issues.
‘Conversation starters’ answered the questions:
A very small number of participants wrote in from North America, all female. By joining the conversation, contributors hope to engage others. Click here to read some of the contributions.
A brief summary of thoughts shared at Conversations for a Better World
A 30-year-old female photojournalist delineates sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite recent democratic elections the war continues; several areas of the DRC have been adversely affected by systematic rape.
Another female contributor wrote about the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda as other areas where sexual violence was a predicament. There is also some recognition on the work of the Women’s Caucus for Gender Justice; they did work around sexual violence issues based on the Yugoslavian and Rwandan tribunals at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The writer is doubtful about any interventions during actual wartime but feels that this is a good point of departure for a dialogue on talking about getting involved on the issue of sexual violence in war zones.
In the DRC an environment of impunity makes it difficult for intervention to make any difference. Although there are interventions for women who have experienced sexual violence, the wait for health services is up to 3 months, due to the high number of victims.
Most contributors do not know of any intervention in any sexual violence situation. The overarching concern is the lack of attention to the issue. Unfortunately, largely complacent climate of impunity enables an environment where sexual violence thrives.
About
Radha Patel is freelance consultant, working in international development and public administration. A San Francisco native, Radha is currently in New York working for the UNFPA. She enjoys hiking, kayaking and walking in nature when she has the opportunity. Radha finished her postgraduate education at Columbia University and the London School of Economics, respectively.
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Culture and female genital mutilation: Is there a connection? – Conversations for a Better World
Friday 4th December, 2009, 6:58pm
[...] tuned for a summary of this conversation. If you missed the first week, second week, or third week of the violence against women conversation, it is not too late to join. We’re getting [...]