On this International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we must ask: why are women treated as if they are merely a “trophy” that can be used for men to score points against each other during conflict? How did it come to this point? What are the things that we as a society have normalized that put women in this position?
Sexual violence acts as a weapon of war, not just collateral damage. It’s a grotesque tactic of war, dehumanizing women and treating them as mere men’s trophies, used to terrorize, torture, and oppress, scarring bodies, minds, and entire communities.
We must recognize conflict-related sexual violence as a tactic of war and a threat to international peace and security, a threat to equality, a threat to human rights. We must unite to end this despicable crime and direct our efforts to bring justice to survivors. We must break this cycle of violation.
A CALL TO ACTION
To break this cycle of violence, we must focus on the deep and lasting intergenerational wounds of conflict-related sexual violence by supporting the survivors of today and protecting future generations from the same fate.
We must ensure safe access to vital, survivor-centered and trauma-informed services, delivering justice and holding perpetrators to account, and listening as well as amplifying vital voices of the survivors. We must demand action and investment to strengthen prevention and protection services.
By making a Goodwill Vow, we help provide life-saving, survivor-centred services for sexual and reproductive health and mental health, legal aid, and safe, confidential spaces for survivors to heal and feel safe when reporting crimes, without being subjected to victim-blaming, guilt-tripping, and shaming.
Donate. Act. Inspire. Together, we must end sexual and gender-based violence in conflict!