News

Heartfelt Condolences to Rebecca Cheptegei’s Family: Domestic Violence Remains a Harsh Reality for Millions of Women and Girls in Eastern and the Horn of Africa

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Rebecca Cheptegei, the esteemed Ugandan marathon runner, as well as to the Uganda Athletics Federation and her friends, following her tragic death reported today September 5, 2024. Rebecca, who succumbed to severe burns after allegedly being doused with petrol and set on fire by a former partner, was a remarkable athlete who recently competed in the Paris Olympics.

NATIONAL CALL FOR JUSTICE

Gender Based Violence (GBV) remains a pressing concern in Ethiopia, as highlighted by an Online Survey conducted by SIHA Network in August 2024 with 84 respondents from diverse backgrounds. The survey, which informed the Network’s advocacy strategy for Ethiopia, revealed that 54.8% of respondents consider GBV the most critical issue for women’s rights advocates.

Communiqué: Round Table on Women’s Political Participation and Legislative Reforms in South Sudan

Communiqué
We, the women leaders of South Sudan, representing a diverse range of groups and networks including women politicians, civil society members, faith leaders, activists, and women’s rights defenders, convened by the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA Network), have gathered to discuss the implementation of the Women’s Peace and Security agenda in South Sudan.

Announcing Winners of SIHA Network’s 2024 Women at the Frontline Awards

We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Women at the Frontline Awards!
Organized under the theme, “Championing Women’s Agency through Breaking Barriers and Stereotypes during times of War and Conflict,” this year’s Awards acknowledged individuals and organizations for their significant contributions around mobilizing women’s agency to counter violence against women, overcoming barriers to women’s leadership and participation in decision-making, and promoting economic empowerment in conflict-affected areas, with a focus on Sudan.

Press Statement: Women’s Rights Organizations Applaud New Measures for Ensuring Accountability and Justice for Perpetrators of Rape in Somaliland and Advocate for Further Action

We, the undersigned women’s rights organizations and women human rights defenders in Somaliland, acknowledge and welcome the positive step taken by President Muse Bihi to ensure accountability and justice for perpetrators of rape, a crime that disproportionately affects women and girls.

Press statement – Sennar State: Another Hotspot for Violence and Atrocities

On Saturday, 29th June, Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) advanced deep into Sennar State, going to Sinja, taking over the “headquarters of the army’s 17th Infantry Division”. This was a decisive blow, marking the peak of clashes between the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which began in the area on 25th June, and the emergence of a new conflict hotspot.

Urgent Call to Address Escalating Violence Against Women in Somalia

We at the Strategic Initiative for the Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network express profound concern about the escalating incidence of domestic violence in Somalia.
According to the 2020 Somalia Health and Demographic Survey, Gender Based Violence (GBV) remains a prevalent human rights violation faced by Somali women and girls, with 35 percent of ever-married women aged 15 to 49 reporting physical injuries inflicted by their husbands, over half of whom sustained severe injuries

El Fasher in Flames: Women Strive for Survival Amid Dire Conflict and Rights Abuses

The security situation in North Darfur State, particularly around El Fasher, has deteriorated beyond imagining. As of the 11th of May, the RSF has been waging a constant siege on the city. This siege has been marked by an increase in killings, sexual violence, theft, destruction of infrastructure, and looting. There have also been aerial bombardments on several villages and areas of El Fasher, and eight villages