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.
6th August 2025
3 min read
Statement on UN Special Rapporteur’s Report on Gender-Based Violence in Conflict
15th November 2024
3 min read
Equality Now Statement on Sexual Violence in Sudan: Urgent Call for International Action and Accountability
19th June 2024
3 min read
Women as weapons of war: The role of international mechanisms to eliminate sexual violence in conflict
27th February 2024
3 min read
Female genital mutilation continues amid Sudan’s conflict and forced displacement
23rd October 2023
3 min read
Equality Now Statement Supporting Women & Girls’ Human Rights in the Current Israel-Hamas Crisis
30th April 2020
3 min read
28 Years of Equality Now
10th September 2020
3 min read
Christina Lamb: Feminism and Life as a Foreign Correspondent
30th March 2023
3 min read
Let Girls Learn: What happened after Sierra Leone lifted the ban on pregnant girls attending school?
31st May 2024
3 min read
Equality Now statement condemning violence against women in Sudan
22nd April 2024
3 min read
Information on Mali for consideration by the Committee on the Rights of the Child at its 96th Session, May 2024