On 12 October, Stand Speak Rise Up! was in the spotlight at Bozar in Brussels for the Grandes Conférences Catholiques, in front of a packed hall of more than 2,000 people.

Since 1931, this forum has welcomed Belgian and international figures to debate the major questions of our time. H.R.H. the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg and Chékéba Hachemi, co-founders of the association, were invited to speak on the theme “Stand Speak Rise Up!, to end rape as a weapon of war”.

Rape does not end when the assault ends

Following an introduction by Céline Fremault, committee member and former minister, they spoke about how their commitment began, the reality of conflict-related sexual violence and the situation of children born of rape. They also stressed the need to involve men in this fight by promoting positive masculinity.

“Because rape does not end when the assault ends. It goes on in the trauma. In the injuries. In unwanted pregnancies. In infections. In the shame that others impose on the victim. It goes on in silence.”

Projects led by Survivors

They also presented the work and projects of Stand Speak Rise Up!, led by Survivors themselves since 2019. These initiatives (medical care, psychological support, economic independence and schooling…) benefit more than 15,000 Survivors and children in 16 countries, including Uganda, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ukraine.

Thank you to the Grandes Conférences Catholiques

Many thanks to Emmanuel Cornu, President of the Grandes Conférences Catholiques, and to the whole committee for their invitation and welcome.

Photos © Marion Dessard