Accountability for Sexual Violence: Innovative Strategies at Work in Africa

Location:	International Rescue Committee, New York City
Event Date:	March 4, 2010
Speakers:	Bisi Adeleye Fayemi, Ecoma Alaga , Paula Donovan, Stephen Lewis, Maryam Elahi, Shonali Shome, Timothy Mwaura, Ruth Ojiambo Ochieng , Victoria Wambua

In December 2009, AIDS-Free World released a report, Electing to Rape: Sexual Terror in Mugabe’s Zimbabwe, documenting politically motivated rape in Zimbabwe during the 2008 elections. This roundtable event looks at the report, as well as legal strategies (such as the use of universal jurisdiction) and the need for a new, comprehensive, and effective UN women’s agency as essential to the quest for accountability for sexual violence.

Other roundtable participants will present their perspectives on accountability, including the use of UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820. This discussion will offer an informal, inclusive opportunity to share ideas and strategies among participants and UN Commission on the Status of Women attendees alike.

The event is sponsored by the International Women’s Program of the Open Society Institute, the Women's Refugee Commission, and AIDS-Free World.

Participants

Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Cofounder and Executive Director, African Women’s Development Fund (Nigeria)
Ecoma Alaga, Cofounder and Director of Programs, Women Peace and Security Network-Africa (Nigeria/Ghana)
Paula Donovan, Cofounder and Codirector, AIDS-Free World (USA)
Stephen Lewis, Cofounder and Codirector, AIDS-Free World (Canada)
Timothy Mwaura, Community Empowerment Program
Shonali Shome, Lawyer specializing in services to women fleeing gender-based crimes
Ruth Ojiambo Ochieng, Executive Director, ISIS-WICCE, Kampala, Uganda
Victoria Wambua, head of the Legal Advocacy Program, Center for Rights Education and Awareness
Maryam Elahi, Director, International Women’s Program, Open Society Institute (Moderator)