As part of activities to mark the International Day for the Elimination of sexual violence in conflict, the Israeli Embassy in Cameroon convened women from different associations and organizations, for a film projection.
On Friday 28th of June 2024, the residence of the Israeli Ambassador to Cameroon played host to a commemorative ceremony aimed at marking the international day for the elimination of sexual violence in conflict about the October 7 attacks.
The day commemorated every June 19, is out to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence, to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world, and to pay tribute to all those who have courageously devoted their lives to and lost their lives in standing up for the eradication of these crimes.
In Yaounde, Cameroon’s nation capital, the event that gathered several women from associations, community-based organizations, and media houses was placed under the auspices of Mrs. Smadar Kalmar, spouse of the Ambassador of Israel.
The key point on the agenda was that of a film projection retracing the October 7th attack on Israel and how several women and girls were sexually abused and tortured.
The film titled: “Screams before Silence” created by Sheryl Sandberg, about the sexual violence during the October 7th attack on Israel, was an occasion to share amongst these women activists, peacebuilders, and advocates, the pains and sufferings inflicted on the female victims during the war.
Several women shed tears and thought of the current conflicts plaguing some parts of Cameroon like in the Far-North region with Boko Haram, the North-West and South-west with the said Anglophone crisis, and the East region that witnessed the influx of refugees from the neighbouring Central African Republic.
Taking the floor to share her sentiments about this conflict that rocked Israel and deprived several families of their members.
She said:“Unfortunately, sexual violence against women during regional conflicts has existed since ancient times in history and still exists today in several places where wars are taking place. For us at the Embassy and Israel, this is a special day because Israeli women are still being held as hostages in Gaza by terrorist organizations. We don’t know where they are, we don’t what women’s health situation is. We don’t know if there is sexual abuse towards them. We don’t know anything about them. We want them back. The international day is a day to announce the return of all hostages. Bring them home now…”
Amongst the several guests invited to the residence of the Israeli Ambassador, there was also, Cameroonian female artist, Sanzy Viany. The renowned musician praised the initiative and said sexual violence in conflict should be a concern for all and calls for more attention.
Sanzy Viany said the fact she watched the film has made her depict the miserable situation in which several young girls and women are entrapped during crises and conflicts.
Through this movie, she felt the sorrow and pains her sisters of the North-West region are currently living.
The Cameroonian artist musician, who also acts as a champion against Gender-Based Violence insisted on the need to amplify calls to end violence notably sexual and physical violence which are rampant in our societies. She believes through her songs she will greatly impact mentalities.
Let us recall that, on 19 June 2015, the United Nations General Assembly (A/RES/69/293) proclaimed 19 June of each year the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, in order to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence, to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world and to pay tribute to all those who have courageously devoted their lives to and lost their lives in standing up for the eradication of these crimes.
The date was chosen to commemorate the adoption on 19 June 2008 of Security Council resolution 1820 (2008), in which the Council condemned sexual violence as a tactic of war and an impediment to peacebuilding.
Elise Kenimbeni
