Breaking barriers: a decade of advocacy against conflict-related sexual violence in Mali
By Oshcard Kouadio
My name is Oshcard Kouadio. I am a Political Affairs Officer currently working in the Department of Peace Operations’ Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Team based in New York. I spent the previous 10 years with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), first as a Child Protection Officer and then as Acting Senior Women’s Protection Adviser specializing in the prevention and response to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).
The conflict that started in 2013 in Mali has had tragic consequences for the protection of women and girls. Terrorist groups operating in northern and central regions as well as armed and self-defence groups have repeatedly targeted civilians and perpetrated rapes, gang rapes, sexual slavery, forced prostitution and forced marriages, and other forms of sexual violence. Too often, impunity prevails for these crimes, while victims have been shamed instead of perpetrators.
While working with MINUSMA, I was driven by the desire to contribute to efforts towards ending CRSV and improving the situation for survivors in Mali. With the support of my team of Women’s Protection Advisers and in collaboration with MINUSMA civilian, police and military components and international partners, I believe significant achievements were made.
Navigating the unspoken: change of perspective on conflict-related sexual violence
Over the course of a decade, the perception of conflict-related sexual violence shifted radically: first denied, underestimated or disregarded, it was then the subject of a fatwa (Islamic law ruling) to contribute to the prevention of CRSV with the support of religious and state authorities in 2023.
When I arrived in Mali in 2013, discussing sexual violence was a “no-go zone.” Overcoming stigma, taboos, and the weight of both social and religious norms related to gender equality and sexual violence proved to be a significant hurdle.
In this challenging context, addressing CRSV was considered a priority by MINUSMA leadership, allowing us to make gradual headway in dispelling stereotypes associated with CRSV and its survivors. Engaging in dialogue and continuously working with religious and state authorities was key to give legitimacy to what we were seeking: for CRSV survivors to be protected rather than rejected.
Civil society as a key actor in addressing conflict-related sexual violence
We worked to overcome traditional barriers — social, religious, or generational — related to CRSV prevention and response. As they were central to this effort, the Mission equipped local organizations and communities with tools and skills.
We supported the emergence of a coalition of NGOs, local actors and women’s groups that spread messages of prevention of sexual violence across Mali, with each segment of society identified as a potential ally in the fight against CRSV. For instance, capacity-building on interview techniques for victims of sexual violence conducted by our team improved the way the NGOs interacted with survivors and presented their files before the Malian courts. These social actors are a critical link between the local population and MINUSMA, as they know how to talk to their peers, what to say, and when to say it to get them to join the fight against CRSV.
The slam competition: artistic expression as a catalyst for change
A comprehensive engagement of all sections of society, from youth to the elderly, were instrumental to our advocacy efforts. Given the profound impact of language and the popularity of spoken word — or “slam” — in Mali, especially among young people to express their grievances, MINUSMA co-organized a “slam competition” on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, commemorated on 19 June. Out of a group of 54 contestants, the strongest 19 slammers stepped onto the stage showcasing not only their poetic skills but a commitment to challenge the status quo on sexual violence in Mali.
The initiative extended beyond the artistic realm, involving not only youth organizations but also women’s groups, the Ministry of Youth and the Ministry for Women. Social media were widely used to broaden the reach of the artists’ messages and remind Malians of MINUSMA’s mandate on CRSV.
Beyond the awareness raising impact of the competition itself, an advocacy booklet, social media messages, and video coverage of the event serve as perpetual catalysts for change, sparking conversations and inspiring action against CRSV. Today, I remain confident that the success of the slam competition is one example of the transformative journey in the fight against CRSV in Mali.
Working as a man on sexual violence issues
As a man, working on sexual violence issues came with particular challenges and reflections. When interacting with women survivors of sexual violence, I often faced the duality of being rejected by some, while others were comfortable to put their trust in me. This challenged my initial assumptions that survivors should be strictly assisted by caregivers of the same gender. I also found that my gender sometimes helped to engage other men and to raise the sensitive topic of sexual violence in spaces where women were traditionally under-represented. Finally, I also discovered that empowering and encouraging men to work as whistleblowers and partners on projects to prevent sexual violence contributed to amplify our efforts and helped to change the attitude of people of all genders towards sexual violence in conflict.
Legacy of MINUSMA on CRSV
In June 2023, the Security Council terminated MINUSMA’s mandate and requested the withdrawal of its personnel by the end of the year. Despite the uncertainty on what the future of Mali holds, I remain hopeful. In my view, MINUSMA’s departure does not mark an end to efforts to change attitudes towards CRSV and better protect survivors but a transition to a vigilant civil society determined to uphold the battle against CRSV in Mali with continued support from the United Nations and its partners. International funding and technical support to the Government of Mali and civil society organizations will be critical to sustain these efforts, building on the legacy of MINUSMA