Author: Madrama James | Published: 12 hours ago
From left: Salume Kwaje and Susan Awate, both Sexual Violence Specialists with the ICRC, speak during Eye Radio’s Sundown Show on Dec. 9, 2025 – Photo: Awan Moses.
Campaigners against gender-based violence are calling for stronger collaboration to end sexual violence in the country, warning that the issue remains taboo in many communities.
Speaking on the Sundown Show on Tuesday (Dec.9) , Salume Kwaje, a Sexual Violence Specialist at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), said efforts to tackle sexual violence require coordination among all stakeholders.
She said sexual violence is still treated as a taboo subject in many communities, which exposes survivors to stigma and social isolation. According to her, the impact of sexual violence continues long after the incident, affecting survivors’ mental health and relationships.
“Sexual violence remains a taboo in many communities, leading to severe stigma for survivors. Due to community perceptions, survivors often face gossip, judgment, and social exclusion. This can result in psychological issues such as depression, suicidal thoughts, fear, shame, and guilt,” said Kwaje.
Another ICRC Sexual Violence Specialist, Susan Awate, said the organization is stepping up awareness campaigns and reminding the public that sexual violence is a crime.
“Sexual violence is illegal in the country. Perpetrators can face up to 14 years in prison and are liable for fines. We therefore remind all parties involved in the conflict about these laws and strongly urge them to respect international humanitarian law, including international human rights law, which recognizes sexual violence as a war crime and a violation of human rights,” Susan said.
The campaigners say despite ongoing initiatives, challenges such as weak enforcement of the law, continuing conflict, and mandatory reporting requirements are still preventing many survivors from accessing essential and life-saving services across the country.
