The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, observed annually on June 19, is a global call to end the scourge of sexual violence in conflict settings. This day was established to raise awareness, honour victims and survivors, and pay tribute to all those who have devoted their lives to eradicating these crimes and supporting the victims.

Defining Sexual Violence

Sexual violence encompasses a range of acts, including rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, enforced sterilization, and any other form of sexual assault. It is an egregious violation of human rights and a significant public health issue, leaving deep physical and psychological scars on its victims. The impacts of sexual violence extend beyond the individual, affecting families, communities, and entire societies.

Sexual violence is not confined to any one region or demographic; it affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Its occurrence is often underreported due to stigma, fear of retribution, and a lack of support for survivors. Comprehensive definitions and understanding of sexual violence are essential to creating effective interventions and support systems for those affected.

The Culture and Promotion of Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is deeply rooted in social and cultural norms that perpetuate gender inequality and tolerate or even condone violence against women and men. However, women are significantly at the receiving end. In many societies, there is a pervasive culture of silence and shame surrounding sexual violence, which discourages survivors from coming forward and seeking justice. Victim-blaming attitudes, the stigmatization of survivors, and the impunity of perpetrators further entrench the cycle of abuse.

Cultural norms and media representations often reinforce harmful stereotypes, portraying aggressive masculinity and submissive femininity as norms. The practice can lead to the normalization of coercive behaviour and the trivialization of sexual violence. Education systems, media, and community leaders are crucial in challenging these harmful norms and promoting respectful, consensual relationships.

Sexual Violence in Conflict as an Instrument of Power and Control

In conflict settings, sexual violence is often used systematically as a weapon of war and a tool of terror. It serves multiple strategic purposes:

Breaking the spirit of the enemy

Instilling fear

Displacing populations

Destroying the social fabric of communities

Perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict aim to exert power and control over individuals and groups, inflicting profound trauma and asserting dominance.

Historically, sexual violence has been used in conflicts across the globe, from the mass rapes during the Rwandan genocide to the widespread sexual abuse during the wars in the former Yugoslavia. These heinous acts are not random but are often orchestrated and condoned by military and political leaders as part of their strategy.

The international community has increasingly recognized the use of sexual violence in conflict as a war crime and a crime against humanity. International tribunals and courts have begun prosecuting these crimes more rigorously, setting precedents for accountability and justice. However, much work remains to ensure consistent enforcement and support for survivors.

Dowry Practices and the Promotion of Sexual Violence

The practice of dowry, prevalent in various cultures, especially in South Asia, significantly contributes to the perpetuation of sexual violence. Dowry refers to the transfer of parental property, gifts, or money at the marriage of a daughter. This practice reinforces the notion that women are property to be bought and sold, thereby dehumanizing them and justifying their mistreatment.

In societies where dowry is practised, the groom's family may perceive the bride as an asset purchased through the dowry. This transactional view can lead to the belief that the husband and his family have unrestricted rights over the woman, including control over her body. This perception often results in sexual violence, domestic abuse, and even dowry-related murders.

Women subjected to dowry violence may face continuous abuse if their families are unable to meet dowry demands. The financial strain and societal pressures can trap women in abusive marriages, with little recourse to justice or support. Laws against dowry and awareness campaigns are critical in changing these deeply entrenched practices.

The Comic Relief: A Stark Reminder

Kata Kata's cartoon, The Torch, humorously yet poignantly highlights a critical aspect of sexual violence in domestic settings. The male character asks if he needs to get a "yafu-yafu" certificate and contract from his wife before continuing his "job" at night, referring to marital relations. This joke underscores a severe message: consent is paramount, and the absence of it constitutes sexual violence, even within marriage. This attitude, where a husband feels entitled to sex regardless of his wife's willingness, can lead to marital rape. The cartoon highlights the pervasive misconception that marriage grants unconditional sexual rights, a notion that is particularly rampant in cultures where dowry practices are prevalent.

Confronting and Eradicating Sexual Violence

Eradicating sexual violence, particularly in conflict zones, requires a multifaceted approach, which includes more robust international legal frameworks, enforcement of existing laws, and holding perpetrators accountable through national and international courts. Support systems for survivors, including medical care, psychological support, and legal assistance, must be strengthened and made accessible.

Raising awareness and challenging the cultural norms that perpetuate sexual violence are essential. The awareness involves educating communities, promoting gender equality, and empowering women and men to speak against violence. Additionally, addressing harmful practices like dowry is crucial to dismantling the structures that enable and justify sexual violence.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the global community must reaffirm its commitment to ending sexual violence. This commitment requires unwavering support for survivors, robust legal actions against perpetrators, and a collective effort to transform societal attitudes and norms that condone such violence. Only through concerted and sustained efforts can we hope to eliminate sexual violence in conflict and create a world where every individual can live free from fear and violence.

The task ahead is daunting but not insurmountable. By standing together, advocating for change, and supporting survivors, we can make significant strides towards a future where sexual violence is no longer a tool of war or a tolerated societal ill. This day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable and to ensure justice and dignity for all.