Survivors Around the World Unite for Women's Rights
During International Women’s Day 2022, national networks supported by the Mukwege Foundation organised activities throughout the world to fight for the rights of women and survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). From Democratic Republic of the Congo to Mali, South Sudan to Uganda, Central African Republic to Iraq and many other places where women pursue justice, their message remains the same: break the stigma and listen to survivors.
The Mukwege Foundation supports survivors of CRSV to unite in networks where they can support one another. Together, survivors’ voices are amplified and they contribute to the fight for their rights and the prevention of sexual violence in their country. Today, the Mukwege Foundation supports survivor networks in 8 countries and connects them with the global SEMA Network to share their experiences.
In the Central African Republic, members of the national survivors movement (MOSUCA) actively co-organised an event with consortium partners of the Nengo Project. The survivors performed a sketch/ drama highlighting sexual and gender-based violence. They also danced and engaged in a discussion about femicide. The event was attended by the French Ambassador to the Central African Republic, Regional Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), as well as other diplomatic partners and policy-makers.
The survivors network in the Democratic Republic of the Congo organised several activities in Bukavu, Kalemie and Kisangani. They highlighted the importance of reparations for victims and survivors of sexual violence in the country – as well as asking the authorities to respect survivors’ rights and aspirations.
The Yazidi survivors in Iraq participated in a public event in Lalish, the holiest temple for the Yazidi communities. They were given the chance to discuss their newly-founded survivor network: Survivors’ Voice.
The survivors in Mali came together in Bamako to discuss the roles of women in the rebuilding of Mali (Rôle de la femme dans la refondation du Mali). They designed a special pagne to celebrate women’s rights.
The Network of South Sudanese Survivors in Uganda (NoSSSU) organised an event titled ‘Break the bias’ in Kiryadongo refugee settlement. More than 300 people were present, including camp authorities, community leaders and civil society representatives. The event – which involved Acholi and Lotuko traditional dances – aim to raise awareness on women’s roles in society, gender equality, and allyship of women’s rights defenders.
The Women’s Advocacy Network in Uganda held an activity in Gulu City to engage with the community and raise awareness on how to identify and prevent sexual and gender-based violence.
Golden Women Vision in Uganda held activities in Unyama and Gulu City in Gulu District, including participating in a march where they communicated their wish to “raise awareness about women’s equality, to express love and gratitude towards women’s’ contribution to our lives and society.”
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