There has been an increase in the number of reports related to gender-based violence and rapes being faced by women and girls in Somalia, who have been displaced due to the recurring droughts. This has been highlighted in the reports submitted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Somali humanitarian workers.
Among the reported cases of violence, the most common are physical violence, intimate partner violence, and rape. In the year 2021, up to 52% of the reported cases of gender-based violence were related to physical assault while another 11% were due to rape, and an additional 10% were related to other forms of sexual assault. These numbers worsened in the following years i.e. in 2022 and the first quarter of 2023.
It has to be noted that out of the total displaced population, up to 80% is comprised of women and children. The main factors that lead to gender-based violence incidents are the ongoing humanitarian crisis, past conflicts as well as displacement. Along with these, the lack of food and sanitation facilities also leaves the individuals susceptible to blackmail and rape.
So far, about 65 centers across Somalia and more than 80 local partners are providing support and services addressing gender-based violence. Legislation criminalizing rape has faced opposition in the country, including from religious scholars. Somali women advocates have faced threats for advocating legislation criminalizing rape and other sexual offenses.
