On Wednesday, July 8, The Council of Women World Leaders hosted Ending the Atrocity, Stop Rape Now: UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict at the Aspen Institute.  Ms. Ines Alberdi, Executive Director of UNIFEM, moderated a necessary and thought provoking dialogue between the Honorable Margot Wallström, Vice President of the European Commission and Chair of the Council’s Ministerial Initiative, and Ambassador Melanne Verveer, United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues.  Together, these women leaders presented and explored the need for collaborative action between the US, the European Union, and the Stop Rape Now: UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict Campaign (UN Action) to effectively address the issue of violence against women as a military tactic. 

Sexual violence, including rape and forced pregnancy, has become a deliberate tactic used by organized military groups to terrorize and demoralize their enemies.  Unfortunately, the prevalence of sexual violence as a weapon of war is increasing.  Today, according to UNIFEM, approximately 70 percent of casualties in recent conflicts are non-combatants, most being women and children subjected to sexual violence.   A particularly vicious example is the Democratic Republic of the Congo where, as Vice President Wallström acknowledged, some 1,100 rapes are reported each month, with an average of 36 women and children raped each day.  Ambassador Verveer commented that this senseless, criminal violence allows the military groups to:

“Leave a sign and lifelong symbol of dishonor, and families and communities unravel.”

As she explained, the destructive effects of sexual violence provide a strong incentive for these groups to “conduct rapes of stunning brutality.” 

In their remarks, each woman recommended that an increase in efforts be made to lessen the use of sexual violence as a military tactic.  They emphasized the necessary inclusion of women in peace talks, diplomatic efforts, and even the police force.  Yet, they maintained that the voices, support, and the involvement of men are equally critical.  Their discussion also pointed to the need for more specific legislation and for strengthened systems of justice.  In particular, impunity for perpetrators must end.  Sadly, as Ms. Alberdi lamented:

“Rape most commonly leads to the corridors of power, not the cell blocks of our prisons.”

As the discussion progressed, the power of increased and inclusive communication, both in the regions marred by war and globally, was touted as a necessary tool in combating sexual violence.  Vice President Wallström went on to explain to the audience the importance of this and future dialogue, saying:

“It is uncomfortable to talk about it.  But, those women and girls have to live it.  We are here for them.” 

As this candid comment reminds us, we have a responsibility to protect and empower the women and children who are unwillingly, undeservingly, and brutally pulled into war.