OSCE strengthens networks of women activists working on supporting survivors of sexual violence in conflict

On 5 and 6 October, women human rights activists from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ukraine gathered to share successful practices of supporting survivors of sexual violence against women in conflict, setting up referral mechanisms, and holding perpetrators accountable amid war and post-conflict settings.

In her opening remarks, the OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, Lara Scarpitta reiterated the OSCE’s unwavering commitment to fight all forms of violence against women and girls including conflict-related sexual violence. 

“Sexual and gender-based violence is on the increase and is exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.  They are not just horrific violations of women’s human rights. They are crimes with devastating and long-lasting impacts on the survivors, their families, and their communities. Supporting and protecting survivors and ending impunity are key steps to long lasting peace,” she highlighted. 

Scarpitta also stressed the crucial role women’s organizations hold in supporting survivors and upholding human rights. “We pay them tribute for their incredible courage, resilience, and determination,” she said. OSCE representatives emphasized the importance of ensuring that the mental health and personal security of women human rights activists should also be prioritized, alongside essential work on ensuring a comprehensive response to violence.

The networking event was organized by the OSCE Gender Issues Programme with the support of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event was attended by 20 women human rights activists from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ukraine.

This initiative was organized within the framework of the multi-year WIN project, which aims to build capacity and increase the participation of women in conflict prevention, mediation, and other processes relevant to comprehensive security.