ADVOCACY
Making conflict- and crisis-related sexual violence a global priority.
Sexual violence in times of war and crisis is still too often ignored, downplayed, or pushed to the sidelines of political and media priorities. Yet these crimes are neither accidental nor inevitable. They take many forms: some stem from widespread chaos, security vacuums, and the collapse of the rule of law, while others are used as strategic weapons of destruction and terror.
Since its creation, We Are NOT Weapons of War (WWoW) has been working to ensure that the fight against these atrocities is fully integrated into national and international political agendas. We raise global public awareness and advocate for political change to break the silence, influence public policies, and strengthen justice mechanisms and protection for survivors.
Sexual violence in conflicts is not inevitable. It thrives when impunity prevails, when justice fails, and when survivors are silenced. We must change this.
Céline Bardet, President and Founder of WWoW
OUR STRATEGY
WWoW's advocacy is based on a comprehensive and strategic approach, combining:
Awareness and mobilization: Media interventions, event organization, and educational actions to inform and engage the public.
Political and legal dialogue: Engagement with national and international institutions to strengthen legislative frameworks and combat impunity.
Support for field actors: Collaboration with local organizations to improve the documentation of crimes and strengthen responses to sexual violence.
Innovation and research: Development of the BackUp tool, facilitating evidence collection and survivors' access to support services and justice.
OUR PRIORITIES
WWoW advocates for:
A systematic recognition of sexual violence as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, with effective prosecution before national and international courts.
Better access to justice for survivors, particularly through strengthening the capacities of investigators and specialized judges.
The integration of sexual violence into peace and reconstruction processes to ensure lasting protection and recognition of survivors' rights.
Enhanced support for survivors, regardless of gender, by guaranteeing access to medical and psychosocial care and tailored reparations mechanisms.
SOME EMBLEMATIC PROJECTS
Collaboration on the documentary Libya, Anatomy of a Crime
In 2015, director Cécile Allegra approached WWoW to document the work of Libyan activists and the use of rape as a tool of repression in Libya. For over two years, they gathered testimonies and filmed this little-known reality. This collaboration resulted in the documentary *Libya, Anatomy of a Crime*, co-written by Céline Bardet, broadcast on ARTE in the fall of 2018.
The film received the OMCT Award for Best Documentary at the Geneva International Human Rights Film Festival (FIFDH).
Organization of France's side event at the Commission on the Status of Women.
On March 11, 2024, WWoW organized, in collaboration with the Permanent Missions to the United Nations of France, Colombia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in partnership with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on sexual violence in conflict, a ministerial event on the sidelines of the 68th Commission on the Status of Women.
A crucial event to call on states to address conflict-related sexual violence and its constant increase.
Co-organization of the Stand Speak Rise Up! International Forum
In March 2019, the Stand Speak Rise Up! (SSRU) International Forum took place in Luxembourg, initiated by the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and in collaboration with WWoW and the Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation.
This groundbreaking event on sexual violence in conflict brought together over 50 survivors from 18 countries, as well as key figures from the international community and representatives of national and international organizations and institutions.
Symposium in Ukraine and publication of a White Paper.
On November 25 and 26, 2024, on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, WWoW organized a symposium in Kyiv, Ukraine, on conflict-related sexual violence. In partnership with SSRU and the Women's Information Consultative Center (WICC), the event brought together survivors, families, and experts to assess the response since the beginning of the invasion. A white paper based on these discussions and recommendations will be published in 2025.