Conflict-related sexual violence

Sexual and gender-based violence are a pervasive and concerning feature of war and armed conflict, employed to humiliate and terrorize the enemy. Wartime sexual violence includes rape as a weapon of war, institutionalized sexual slavery, as well as individual or isolated acts of sexual violence, mostly against women, but also men. Victims of such violence often live with long lasting stigma. Wartime sexual violence is now recognized as a crime against humanity and a war crime. However, it nearly always goes unpunished.

In this Science Café, organized in collaboration with Orange The World Wageningen, you are invited to learn more about this topic from our experts, who will discuss the impact on everyday realities of survivors, how they cope, and what needs to be done.

There will also be a performance of the acapella choir The Amsterdam Vocals with songs related to female strength and being in charge of one’s own life.

Tonight’s moderator is Tina Folkersma.

Please note that the interview with Mona van den Berg will be in Dutch. The rest of the program will be in English.

Mona van den Berg is a photographer. She will talk about her project The Silent Wounds of War – Unveiling the Silence, about conflict-related sexual violence against women worldwide. The project consists of a book and an exhibition featuring portraits of survivors and images of locations pivotal to these heinous crimes. Mona will discuss how both national governments and international institutions fail to address the issue effectively and what measures are necessary. Mona van den Berg graduated in Constitutional and Administrative Law with specialization in Immigration Law and International law and Human Rights at Utrecht University (1993-1998). She obtained her diploma Documentary and Journalism Photography at the Amsterdam Photo Academy (2007-2010).  

Bilge Sahin and Phyllis Livaha are both researchers on the topic of sexual and gender-based violence. Earlier this year, they organized a workshop in Nairobi, focusing on care and healing in the lives of survivors of sexual violence. They will tell us why it is important to shift the narrative from violence and victimhood towards resilience, agency and the process of rebuilding life.

Bilge Sahin is Assistant Professor of Conflict and Peace Studies at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Erasmus University Rotterdam. Her teaching and research explore the complex intersections of gender, sexuality, war, and security.

Phyllis Livaha is a senior lecturer at Erasmus University College, Rotterdam, where she teaches international law and international relations courses. Her research interests include women’s rights, human rights law and international relations.