In a recent report, UNICEF has labelled Sub-Saharan Africa as one of the most perilous regions for girls globally. The United Nations agency disclosed that the area has the highest number of female victims of sexual violence, with an alarming 79 million women and girls affected. This figure accounts for 22% of the global total.
Stark Global Comparisons
UNICEF’s findings, released via its X handle on Thursday, highlight a grim reality for girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. This region surpasses other global areas, such as Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, which has 75 million victims, and Central and Southern Asia, with 73 million. Europe and Northern America, along with Latin America and the Caribbean, also report disturbingly high numbers of victims, yet Sub-Saharan Africa remains the epicentre of this crisis.
Widespread Abuse
Worldwide, an estimated 370 million girls and women have experienced sexual violence, according to UNICEF. In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, approximately one in five girls endure abuse before the age of 18. Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, described sexual violence against children as a “stain on our moral conscience.”
The Far-Reaching Impact of Sexual Violence
The trauma suffered by survivors of sexual abuse is deep-rooted and has significant implications for development efforts in the region. Nankali Maksud, a child violence specialist based in Nairobi, stressed the long-term effects of such abuse, particularly on girls’ education. “We are pushing to get girls into school, but those who have been assaulted often struggle to learn,” she noted.
Conflict and Insecurity Escalate Risks
Regions marked by conflict, like Sudan, witness the highest rates of sexual violence, with UNICEF raising alarms over the risks girls face in these areas. As conflicts continue to ravage parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, the safety and well-being of women and girls remain under severe threat.
The Call for Global Attention
UNICEF’s report calls for urgent action to address the scourge of sexual violence in Sub-Saharan Africa. International aid agencies continue to advocate for policies and measures that protect the vulnerable and provide support for survivors.
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