During a global summit to address sexual violence in wartime, Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie emphasized the importance of sending a message that being a survivor of rape should not come with any shame, as the real shame lies with the perpetrators. British Foreign Secretary William Hague echoed this sentiment at the start of the four-day conference in London, stating that only a weak or inadequate individual would resort to abusing women, a statement that was met with cheers from the audience.
The conference came to fruition after a two-year effort led by UN special envoy Jolie and Hague. They personally visited the Democratic Republic of Congo and Bosnia to connect with rape victims who had suffered during wartime. During her opening speech at the End Sexual Violence in Conflict summit, Jolie shared the story of a woman in Bosnia who couldn’t bring herself to tell her own son about her experience of being raped, still burdened by shame. Jolie emphasized that this day was dedicated to women like her, underscoring the significance of the summit as an unprecedented gathering.
In a speech that was met with enthusiastic applause, Jolie emphasized the importance of sending a global message that being a survivor of sexual violence is not shameful, but rather the shame lies with the perpetrator. She debunked the myth that rape is unavoidable in war, highlighting that it is a deliberate tactic used as a weapon against civilians. According to the actress known for “A Mighty Heart,” rape is not about sex but about exerting power over others.
Jolie shared that she has encountered survivors of sexual assault in various countries such as Afghanistan and Somalia, emphasizing that they are similar to us with one important distinction.
“We are fortunate to live in safe countries where we have access to doctors when we are injured, police to turn to when we are wronged, and institutions that safeguard us,” she remarked.
– ‘Taboo no more’ –
Jolie emphasized the need for the international community to prioritize making “justice the norm.”
She urged for the prevention of rape in conflict to be integrated into the training of all military, peacekeeping, and law enforcement personnel.
“This entire topic has been avoided for too long,” she added.
