The Forgotten War Destroying Women’s Lives in Ethiopia

Thousands of women have been affected by the conflict in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, where reports of rape and sexual violence have been on the rise. Enat, a 21-year-old victim, described how soldiers entered her home and raped her in front of her niece. The conflict began in August 2023 between the Ethiopian army and local militias known as Fano. Rights groups have accused both sides of human rights abuses, including rape and extrajudicial killings. The violence intensified as the militias launched a rebellion due to fears of vulnerability and marginalization. The conflict has led to widespread sexual violence, with victims as young as eight and as old as 65. Health facilities have reported thousands of cases of rape, with children under 18 accounting for 45% of the incidents. Many victims fear seeking medical assistance due to stigma or concerns about contracting sexually transmitted infections. The conflict has disrupted access to healthcare, exacerbating the crisis.