The Women’s Action Campaign South Africa (WACSA) held a silent protest on 7 October this year, and handed over a petition to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, calling on the government to take stronger action against conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). These concerned South Africans, representing diverse groups in our country, together with others highlighting sexual violence in at least 18 countries in Africa, joined forces to protest the silence of the South African government on the issue of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Protesters gathered outside Parliament, holding placards with messages of support for survivors and calls for justice.
The event marked one year since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel, which sparked WACSA’s initial campaign. Since then, the organisation has broadened its focus to address CRSV globally, particularly in African conflict zones.
The choice of a silent protest was to symbolise the silencing of CRSV victims and the need for South Africa to amplify its voice on this issue.
“As a leader in human rights, South Africa has a critical role to play in combating CRSV,” explains Angie Richardson, WACSA spokesperson. “We’re calling on our government to apply consistent pressure through international courts, the UN, and its diplomatic channels to ensure accountability and justice for all victims.”
Richardson adds, “We stand in unwavering solidarity with all survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. Our message is clear: rape and sexual violence are never justified, under any circumstances.”
WACSA members handed over the petition to Angel Khanyile, a Member of Parliament representing the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. Signed by over 5 000 South Africans, the petition urges the government to:
• Strengthen South Africa’s global voice in condemning CRSV
• Support prosecution of CRSV as war crimes
• Provide consistent support for all CRSV survivors, regardless of nationality or the particular conflict area
• Address concerning domestic attitudes about sexual violence in conflict.
The organisation hopes its actions will spur the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee to add CRSV to its agenda, potentially including it in the upcoming 16 Days of Activism campaign.
WACSA emphasises that this is not about taking sides in complex geopolitical conflicts, but about standing firmly against the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, wherever it occurs.
Before organising this protest and handing over the petition, WACSA facilitated a national survey, the results of which are concerning. The survey revealed that 25% of South Africans believe rape can sometimes be justified, with one in three believing it is justified in wartime. “These findings underscore the urgent need for education and awareness campaigns,” argues Richardson.
“By handing over this petition, we’re giving voice to thousands of South Africans who demand action,” explains Richardson.
“We hope this will be a turning point in our nation’s approach to CRSV, aligning our foreign policy more closely with our constitutional values.”
To read more about WACSA and its activities, visit the organisation’s website: http://www.womensactioncampaignsa.org
Extract from WACSA’s application to the City of Cape Town for holding the silent protest:
WACSA, Women’s Action Campaign South Africa, will be delivering a petition to Angel Khanyile, a Member of Parliament, requesting that “the South African government publicly condemn the pervasive issue of CONFLICT RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE (CRSV) in so many countries, in Africa and around the world. Far too often, perpetrators of these heinous crimes hide behind the guise of war, conflict, or ideological reason, escaping justice and leaving countless victims traumatised by both the perpetrators and the world leaders whose silence is deafening”.
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