UNICEF: More than 79 million women victims of sexual violence in sub-Saharan Africa

An alarming situation in sub-Saharan Africa

According to a report published by UNICEF on Thursday, October 10, 2024, more than 79 million women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa have been victims of rape and sexual assault. This region is one of the most seriously affected in the world by this violence, with one in five women having suffered sexual assault or rape before the age of 18.

Worrying global figures

Globally, UNICEF estimates that 370 million girls and women have been victims of sexual violence. The report, the first of its kind to compile national and international data, covers the period from 2010 to 2022. While the statistics reveal a worrying reality, the organization acknowledges that the numbers may be underestimated due to data gaps and underreporting in several countries.

A call to moral conscience

Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director, expressed deep concern about the global crisis. “Sexual violence against children is a stain on our moral conscience,” she said in a statement, calling for collective action to better protect children and women.

Conclusion

This report highlights the scale of sexual violence in sub-Saharan Africa, while reminding us that this scourge is global. UNICEF hopes that these data will help raise awareness and encourage governments to act more decisively to eradicate this abuse and protect the most vulnerable populations.