ISHR Ambassador Training –Weekly Discussion

Date: March 6, 2025

Location: Virtual Meeting

Topic: Sexual violence against women and girls.

Attendees: ISHR panel members & 2025 Ambassador Cohort

In a virtual training session held on March 6, 2025, the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) and the 2025 Ambassador cohort delved into the pervasive and multifaceted issue of sexual violence against women and girls. The discussion, led by ISHR panel members, explored the complexities of this global challenge, highlighting cultural, societal, and institutional factors that contribute to its persistence.

The session began by emphasizing the importance of understanding the nuances of sexual violence, recognizing its broad definition and diverse manifestations across different contexts. The panel stressed that while physical violence is a significant component, sexual violence also encompasses psychological and emotional harm, impacting individuals of all genders. A key focus of the discussion was the influence of cultural stereotypes, ideologies, and power structures on the prevalence of sexual violence. The panel raised critical questions about the perceptions and manifestations of sexual violence within various communities, prompting Ambassadors to share examples and insights from their own experiences. Statistics from Uganda painted a stark picture, revealing that 56% of women experience sexual violence, with 51% abused by intimate partners. The conversation also addressed the alarming rise of online harassment and sextortion, particularly in the US, underscoring the need for greater awareness and legal protections in the digital realm.

The panel explored the intersection of sexual violence with minority sexual rights, highlighting the blame often placed on minority groups. The discussion emphasized the need to unpack various contributing factors, including cultural norms, toxic masculinity, and colonial undertones. Personal experiences shared by participants shed light on the challenges of enforcing laws against harmful practices like female genital mutilation and child marriage, particularly in areas where cultural and jurisdictional issues impede progress. The session also delved into institutional and legal failures, discussing the societal acceptance of harmful cultural practices and the role of institutions in maintaining these practices. The need for societal change to effectively address sexual violence was emphasized, with participants sharing personal experiences of institutional corruption and the challenges faced by victims in reporting sexual violence due to fear, societal response, and lack of accountability.

Throughout the session, the ISHR panel and Ambassadors engaged in a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding sexual violence against women and girls. The training served as a call to action, urging participants to become agents of change in their respective communities and contribute to creating a world free from sexual violence.