Sexual violence continues to be a critical issue affecting women, especially young girls across Africa. While efforts have been made to punish offenders, more must be done to ensure the safety and protection of women. In addressing this challenge, we honour and celebrate these remarkable women whose voices echo across the continent, advocating fervently to end sexual violence and championing the rights and dignity of survivors. They are not just activists; they are survivors, leaders, and visionaries who have transformed personal hardships into a shared quest for justice and empowerment.

Justine Masika Bihamba

Justine Masika Bihamba[IB1] is a Congolese activist dedicated to improving the lives of rural women and helping victims of war, particularly survivors of sexual violence. As the coordinator of Synergy of Women for Victims of Sexual Violence, she has provided support to over 18,000 women, offering psycho-social, medical, and legal aid to help them rebuild their lives.

Mama Koite Doumbia

Mama Koite Doumbia, from Mali, is a strong advocate in the fight against sexual violence. She represents West Africa as a member of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union and has been a crucial leader in promoting women’s rights and empowerment across the continent through her involvement in the African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET).

Julienne Lusenge

Julienne Lusenge, a Congolese human rights activist, has been a relentless advocate for survivors of wartime sexual violence. As the co-founder and President of Female Solidarity for Integrated Peace and Development (SOFEPADI), she has played a key role in bringing attention to the plight of these women to international organizations and working towards their recovery and justice.

Itoro Eze-Anaba

Itoro Eze-Anaba is a prominent Nigerian lawyer and women’s rights activist, renowned for her extensive work in promoting and protecting women’s rights in Nigeria. In 2013,Eze-Anaba founded the Mirabel Centre, Nigeria’s first rape referral centre, which provides free medical and psychosocial support to survivors of rape and sexual assault. With over 25 years of legal practice, she has been a pivotal figure in the fight against domestic violence and sexual assault.Her advocacy efforts led to the drafting of the first-ever Domestic Violence Bill in Nigeria, which she campaigned for and saw passed into law in 12 states and at the National Assembly.

Clotilde Bangwene Aziza

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Clotilde Bangwene Aziza stands out as the founder of the Association of Women in Media of South Kivu(AFEM), an organization that champions women’s rights through the media. As the first woman Editor-in-Chief of the largest associative radio station in Bukavu, South Kivu, she is committed to amplifying the voices of the voiceless.

Emmanuella Zandi Mudherwa

Emmanuella Zandi Mudherwa’s journey from a survivor to a leader is truly inspirational. At the age of 21, she founded “Ma Voisine” in Kinshasa, which now has 12,000 members and focuses on girls’ empowerment. Her collaboration with UN Women on initiatives to raise awareness about gender-based violence demonstrates her dedication to the cause. These women, each with their own unique stories, have come together in their mission to eradicate sexual violence in Africa. Their courage and determination serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can prevail and bring about change. Let us honour their work and support their cause, for they are not just fighting for Africa, but for the dignity of all humanity.

SOURCES

5 Powerful African Women Leading the Fight Against Sexual Violence in Conflict – Leading Ladies Africa

Julienne Lusenge (interview-her.com)

Episode 4: Mama Koite Doumbia (Mali) – Instituto Igarapé (igarape.org.br)

They came together not to be silenced—gender-based violence in conflict & the role of women’s rights organisations (kvinnatillkvinna.org)