SEMA is the Global Network of Victims and Survivors to End Wartime Sexual Violence. SEMA literally means “Speak Out” in Swahili. There are survivors of wartime rape from 21 countries in Africa, South America, the Middle East, and Europe represented in the SEMA network. They represent 2000 survivors and 90 years of conflict. The Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation tries to achieve its aim of ending rape as a weapon of war by putting survivors of sexual violence in conflict at the core of its mission. We support women from 14 different countries from all continents to join forces. Together, they are building a global network that connects survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.
Rape is a silent, often invisible crime. The pain and the consequences it causes are hidden.
Now victims of conflict-related sexual violence from 14 different countries from all continents are standing up.
We help them to connect and create a global network. Together, they are able to draw attention to the use of rape as a weapon of war and demand the changes necessary to end the violence and achieve justice.
We facilitate the creation of the movement by providing a forum to meet and exchange ideas. Through our own network, our contacts with the media and our reach on social media, we support the group to get their message out to a global audience.
When survivors speak up, the use of sexual violence as a tactic of warfare and terrorism can no longer be ignored.
Nancy was raped three times in her life. For many years she tried to hide the wounds. But with the support of other survivors she became stronger. Today Nancy is an activist and helps other women who experienced sexual violence during the conflict in Colombia, to speak out.
