The recent conflict in northern Mali has led to an upsurge in gender-based and sexual violence against women and girls. Women and girls displaced by war are especially vulnerable to rape and child marriage, and many must now deal with the physical and psychological consequences of the violence that was inflicted upon them.
This video features the work of brave Malian women who have stood up to violence and become agents of peace. Fatoumata Siré Diakité created the Association for the progress and defense of women's rights (APDF), which helps provide services for victims of the conflict, and contributes to shaping policy regarding the rights of women and girls.
In the 2015, the Mali Women Leaders’ Platform was central to negotiations to include Malian women’s priorities in the peace agreement, including compensation fund for victims, operationalizing the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission, and passing a quota for women’s access to decision-making posts.
