Sexualised wartime violence

Explore on our topic page causes, effects and necessary countermeasures.

Eine lachende Frau hält zwei kleine Kinder im Arm.

Our mission

We are committed to ending sexualised violence – worldwide.

Together with our partner organisations, we strengthen women and girls in conflict areas and support them in coping with violence and trauma. We stand up for women's rights and work towards social transformation.

As a feminist women’s rights and aid organisation we do this as part of a diverse feminist movement.

More about us

News

A woman is holding her hand in front of her mouth as she looks at the rubble that was once a house.

24. November 2023 - News

After the earthquakes, before winter starts: Emergency aid for Afghanistan

At night it is freezing, and the villages have been destroyed: In the wake of devastating earthquakes, many people in Afghanistan are in need of aid. Our partners in the region tell us what women in particular need.

A picture on a wall in Nothern Iraq: Strong together

22. November 2023 - Pressemeldung

Threats and violence against activists and women’s rights organisations are increasing - The scope for action for women’s rights work worldwide is being further restricted.

Cologne, 22.11.2023: The partner organisations of medica mondiale report an increased level of threats and restrictions against women’s rights activists in conflict and post-conflict regions. To mark the International Day for the Elimination of…

02. November 2023 - Interview

Uganda: First regional conference for and with women affected by violence

In the summer of 2023, the first regional “Beneficiary Convention” took place in Uganda – a conference organised by partner organisations from the region. Read an interview with Laura Fix and Lisa Trebs, responsible for projects in East and…

More news

“Our work remains necessary since injustices and violence continue and we need to bring them to an end. Women should be able to enjoy their rights, since they are essential for justice, peace and security.”

Seraphine Mukanyabyenda from SEVOTA, Rwanda

Self-care & staff care for womens rights activists

06.05.2022

Self-Care Exercise: Energy balance

PDF, Fact sheet/flyer

Download PDF

More

18.05.2022

Developing a staff care concept as a feminist NGO

PDF, Booklet

Download PDF

More

07.04.2021

Self-care and wellbeing for activists (PDF)

PDF, Fact sheet/flyer

Download PDF

More

Topics in focus

A group of women are standing in a circle, they have each clenched a fist and are holding these together in a small circle in their centre.

Overcoming trauma

Trauma that was caused by sexualised violence is more than just a psychological or physical injury. How does re-stabilisation become possible?

Violence against women

Definitions, forms, causes and consequences of gender-based violence against women: examples, facts & figures of GBV in Germany, Europe, and the world

A woman with a Venus symbol painted in red on her cheek taking part in a demonstration for women’s rights.

Women's rights are human rights

Women's rights are human rights. Women are human beings, so they deserve the same basic rights, such as education, a life free of violence, and a fair wage

„War rape has a devastating effect, not only on individual women and girls, but also on families and society as a whole.“

Karin Griese, Head of the Trauma Work Department

A colleague from our partners PAIF from the Democratic Republic of Congo

Donate now to support women and girls

Your contribution counts! Donating online is safe and easy.

monthly

one-time

donate now

hand in hand for women's rights

Your support makes our work possible. Together with fellow activists around the world, we are stronger than ever. We are ready for a future that we will change with our strength and perseverance in a feminist way. With mutual solidarity, with trust and a shared vision, we are working to end sexualised violence worldwide. Thank you for being a part of it!

donate now

45

supported projects and 5 multi-country programs in 2022

41

partner organisations worldwide

13

countries on 3 continents

“There needs to be a change of thinking here, then we will see governments and civil society showing more solidarity with women and girls in conflict areas.”

Sybille Fezer, Member of the Board for Programmes

More on violence against women

Glossary

In the glossary we explain coherences around sexualised violence in war and other forms of violence against women & girls.

Media centre

In our media library you can find videos, photos, flyers, booklets and more on topics such as women's rights and violence against women.