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
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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-…
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.