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Sexual violence in conflict

Sexual violence in conflict disproportionately affects women and girls and adds a layer of devastation to the regular awful destruction of war. Rape is and has been wielded as a weapon of war, aiming to terrorize and destabilize regions and communities, and as a form of ethnic cleansing all over the world. This brutal tactic inflicts severe physical and psychological trauma, destroys communities, and has long-lasting impacts on survivors’ health and wellbeing. 

Equality Now is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the human rights of all women and girls. We condemn all acts of gender-based and sexual violence against women and girls, including as a weapon of war. This abuse is a grave violation of human rights. 

Sexual violence committed in conflict is a violation of international humanitarian law.  It may constitute a number of international crimes. Equality Now works to prevent rape in all contexts and to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.  In times of conflict, we push for full documentation and evidence preservation to support eventual prosecution and justice. We remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing gender equality and eradicating violence against all women and girls. We will continue to harness our expertise and position to staunchly protect and promote their rights.

Find out more about our work on sexual violence in conflict

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Rape is being weaponised in Sudan’s war with no justice in sight

27 September 2024

As the humanitarian crisis in Sudan intensifies, sexual violence is used to terrorise women & girls, international solidarity is needed, writes Nina Masore.

news and insights

Women As Weapons of War: The Role of International Mechanisms to Eliminate Sexual Violence in Conflict

19 June 2024

As we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, warring parties must make it clea…

news and insights

Female Genital Mutilation Continues Amid Sudan’s Conflict and Forced Displacement

27 February 2024

By Paleki Ayang, Gender Advisor for the Middle East and North Africa, Equality Now  South Sudan, February 26, 2024: Fema…

news and insights

Equality Now Statement Supporting Women & Girls’ Human Rights in the Current Israel-Hamas Crisis

23 October 2023

Issued 23 April 2024 Our thoughts are with all of those who have endured violence and the death of loved ones during this har…

news and insights

28 Years of Equality Now

30 April 2020

Equality Now is turning 28! It’s made us reflect on the progress we’ve made collectively towards gender equality over the…

feminist culture

Christina Lamb: Feminism and Life as a Foreign Correspondent

10 September 2020

In May 2020 Equality Now Board Member, Patricia Amira, sat down (virtually) with award-winning author and foreign corresponde…

event listing

Mapping and Assessment Reports on the Ratification, Domestication, Implementation and Reporting on EVAWG and Gender Equality and International Law in Africa: The Role of Regional Economic Communities

20 March 2023

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is prevalent in Africa, occurring in both public and private spheres during peacetime…

news and insights

Let Girls Learn: What happened after Sierra Leone lifted the ban on pregnant girls attending school? 

30 March 2023

Three years ago today, President Julius Maada Bio announced that the Government of Sierra Leone had lifted the ban prohibitin…

news and insights

Equality Now Statement Condemning Violence Against Women in Sudan

31 May 2024

Equality Now strongly condemns the egregious human rights violations including the pervasive use of sexual violence occurring…

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Information on Mali for Consideration by the Committee on the Rights of the Child at its 96th Session, May 2024

22 April 2024

We respectfully submit this information for consideration by the Committee on the Rights of the Child at its 96th Session (6-…

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After 6 months of state sanctioned rape in Myanmar, where is the justice for Rohingya women and girls?

06 March 2018

As Myanmar soldiers continue to use sexual assault as a weapon of war, there is still no justice in sight for victims.