Project Description
/ Women in Situations of Exile: Understanding, Protecting, Rebuilding
Stand Speak Rise Up! and Groupe SOS join forces against sexual violence on migration routes
On 21 November, Stand Speak Rise Up! and Groupe SOS, the leading social actor in Europe, co-organised a full day of discussions dedicated to an issue that remains far too invisible: the sexual violence experienced by women on the routes of exile, and the essential pathways to protection and recovery that must be guaranteed to them.
This major event brought together more than 250 participants, experts, NGOs, institutional actors and the general public, to better understand the mechanisms of such violence, highlight the testimonies of Survivors, and propose concrete avenues for action.
An opening driven by a shared commitment
The day was opened by:
- Chékéba Hachemi, co-founder of Stand Speak Rise Up!,
- Jean-Marc Borello, Chairman of the Executive Board of Groupe SOS.
Both highlighted the urgent need to take action against the sexual violence experienced by women in situations of exile, a systemic issue that remains insufficiently documented and recognised.
Panel discussions: expertise, testimonies and future perspectives
Throughout the afternoon, several panel discussions brought together committed organisations as well as numerous field and humanitarian experts. They explored:
- the violence and risks present along migration routes,
- the challenges of protection and access to rights,
- the psychological, economic and social hurdles of recovery,
- the solutions needed to build long-term, sustainable support.
Testimonies from the Stand Speak Rise Up! Mentorship Programme
The roundtable dedicated to professional empowerment was marked by the testimonies of:
- Léontine, Survivor and mentee in the Democratic Republic of Congo,
- Françoise Binsfeld, mentor in Luxembourg.
Both involved in the Stand Speak Rise Up! mentorship programme, they shared their journeys, their strengths, and the new perspectives that supportive and compassionate guidance can offer to Survivors.
An artistic spotlight: the Simply Survivors exhibition
Participants also discovered the Simply Survivors exhibition, a powerful photographic series designed to highlight the strength, dignity and resilience of women who, despite the violence they have endured, are rebuilding their lives.
A space of emotion and reflection that enriched the discussions throughout the day.
“Tigray: Rape, the Silent Weapon”: film and testimony to confront the unspeakable
The day concluded with the screening of the documentary “Tigray: Rape, the Silent Weapon,” which focuses on the sexual violence committed in Tigray.
The screening was followed by a discussion with:
– Pascale Bourgaux, co-director of Hawar, Our Banished Children,
– Mohammad Shaikhow, co-director of Hawar, Our Banished Children,
– Meseret Hadush, Survivor whose fight is portrayed in Tigray: Rape, the Silent Weapon.
A powerful moment, reminding us of the urgent need for justice, recognition and comprehensive support.
A white paper shared with more than 5,000 people
Following this event, Stand Speak Rise Up! and Groupe SOS published a white paper summarising the ideas, findings and recommendations that emerged from the discussions.
This document has already reached more than 5,000 people, helping to deepen understanding and strengthen mobilisation around these critical issues.
“Protection is no longer enough”: a shared priority
In their closing remarks, Chékéba Hachemi and Gaëlle Tellier, Vice-President of Groupe SOS, emphasised a powerful message:
“Protection is no longer enough: we must support, empower, and enable reconstruction.”
This guiding principle shapes the work of Stand Speak Rise Up! across all contexts where women face violence, insecurity, and exile.
