Episode 2: Sexual and Gender Based Violence

In 2023, conflicted-related sexual violence (CRSV) increased by over 50 percent since the previous reporting period. The widespread and intrusive nature of these crimes means that victims' needs are diverse and subject to change over time.

Often, a fear of stigma poses significant challenges in preventing survivors from coming forward, reporting what happened to them, and seeking justice or other needed services.  And even when formal transitional justice or accountability processes are established, they can often take decades to come to fruition. Nevertheless, GIJTR has seen that a majority of positive change in relation to CRSV has been driven by the tireless efforts of survivors and the communities of support that surround them, particularly in contexts where the state has been complicit in the crimes or is otherwise unable to adequately respond.

 

To discuss this complex issue we are joined by two expert guests:

 

Mariama Jobarteh, CEO and founder of Ventanka in The Gambia, which works to challenge gender inequalities and combat violence against women and girls, as well as support victims through their healing processes.

 

Rosario Jolon, from the Centro para la Derechos Humanos, or CALDH, in Guatemala, which offers legal, political, and organizational support to strengthen historical memory in the country and specifically fight for women's emancipation from violence.

 

The Difference She Makes is a production of the Global Initiative for Justice, Truth, and Reconciliation, which is a flagship program of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. It was produced and edited by Katie Marquette at MediaMarq. Learn more at www.sitesofconscience.org