The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network remains appalled by the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) continuing campaign of genocide, ethnic targeting of indigenous African populations in North Darfur as a whole, and the perpetration of deep, systematic sexual violence against women and girls in El Fasher.
For the past decade, Ethiopia has been experiencing multiple layers of conflicts, which have resulted in severe levels of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The 2018 political transition was followed by incidents of mob violence, communal conflicts, an armed insurgency in Oromia, and a full-fledged civil war in the Tigray region. Although the Tigray war ended with a peace agreement signed by the Ethiopian
Women’s Participation is a Blueprint for Sustainable Peace! Read More »
“We Ran Through the Corpses, Escaping Death Only to Find It Waiting Ahead”
We cannot remain silent while a genocide unfolds before our eyes. The humanitarian catastrophe devastating #Sudan, especially in #Darfur, demands urgent and collective action.
Report on the Situation in El Fasher, North Darfur Read More »
El Fasher city has been the host of thousands of internally displaced people from other parts of Darfur, as a result of ongoing violence in this troubled region, for the past 22 years. Its fall marks a significant escalation of atrocities due to a brutal campaign of attacks
Today, 24th September 2025, the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network, in partnership with the South Sudan Women Entrepreneurs Association (SSWEA) and women-led organizations in South Sudan, convened a consultative meeting at Pyramid Hotel, Juba, that brought together women street vendors, women-led organizations, private sector representatives, government officials, and development partners.
Despite the Ethiopian Constitution’s affirmation of gender equality and the existence of laws designed to protect women, violence against women continues to rise at an alarming rate. This crisis is perpetuated by distorted interpretations of religious teachings that justify harmful practices, alongside significant gaps in accountability and weak enforcement within the justice system.
This Policy Brief provides a detailed analysis of Somalia’s Anti-FGM Bill, assessing its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. It also offers recommendations to better align the legislation with international and regional human rights frameworks, strengthening the legal foundation to effectively address and reduce the persistently high prevalence of FGM in Somalia
Analysis of Somalia’s Anti-FGM Bill (2019) – A Human Rights Perspective Read More »
Our 2023 Annual Report highlights the resilience and achievements of women and girls we reached across the Horn of Africa.
We reached over 30,000 women and girls across the Greater Horn of Africa, navigating conflict, political instability, and restricted civic spaces. The report highlights achievements across five strategic areas: access to justice, ending violence against women and girls, social protection and economic justice, rights of women and girls on the move,
2023 ANNUAL REPORT Read More »
Now more than ever, the dire situation concerning women and girls in Sudan cries out for the world’s immediate attention. The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network implores this Council to take decisive action against prevalent and systematic rates of conflict-related sexual violence, which are gripping the country, leveraged as a gendered weapon of war.
SIHA Network Oral Statement at The 60th Session of the Human Rights Council Read More »
The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network strongly condemns the abduction and enforced disappearance of women and children by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and affiliated militia in and around El Fasher. Such conduct is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
