Sexual violence against girls and women in African conflict

The alarming rate at which sexual violence in African conflict occurs threatens regional and international peace and security and, therefore, requires focused and coordinated global attention. Even though boys, men, and those belonging to the LGBTQIA2S+ and non-conforming gender are also survivors of sexual violence in African conflict, less is known about their experiences. Lack of research on sexual violence against males, LGBTQIA2S+ and non-binary persons partly stems from societal constructs of masculinity as attributes of biological males and boys being the perpetrator of violent acts, while those belonging to the LGBTQIA2S+ and non-conforming gender are dismissed and ignored. Acknowledging the aforementioned, this chapter is focused on females since sexual violence in African conflict disproportionately affects girls and women. Whether in conflict or not, all and any form of violence against girls and women is unacceptable, intolerable, and infuriating. Sexual violence against girls and women is deeply concerning because of the indelible physical, social, psychological, and emotional impact it has on the health and well-being of those affected. During conflicts in Africa, girls and women, perceived as inevitable "spoils of war, " "weapons of war, " or "collateral damage" are tortured and abused, using sexual violence as a strategy of war and terrorism. Central to the differential effect of sexual violence against girls and women in African conflict is discrimination, inequality, and injustice, which occurs at three levels: institutional, structural, and at the community. It is against this backdrop, that the chapter adopts a discursive approach to examine sexual violence in African conflict. In particular, the occurrence, meaning, concepts, impacts, and implications of sexual violence in African conflict will be critically assessed. Further, the chapter contextualizes the enormity and severity of sexual violence against girls and women in African conflict with a select few short case synopses. In conclusion, the chapter highlights some best practices in the response to and prevention of sexual violence against girls and women in African conflict.