SCI CEO participated in a webinar to address the escalating crisis of femicide the greater Horn of Africa organized by Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn Of Africa - SIHA

On 23rd July 2025 Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA Network) organized a webinar that brought together experts, activists, policymakers, and organizational leaders including Selfless Compassion Initiative CEO to address the escalating crisis of femicide (the intentional killing of women and girls because of their gender) in the Greater Horn of Africa. The discussions centered on systemic drivers, accountability mechanisms, prevention strategies, and multi-sectoral responses to gender-based violence (GBV).  The key speakers, activists, including Selfless Compassion Initiative CEO, identified key systemic issues:  -Weak Legal Systems - Many countries in the region lack robust laws criminalizing femicide or fail to enforce existing legislation .  - Economic Disempowerment: Poverty and lack of economic opportunities for women increase vulnerability to violence .  - Cultural Norms - Harmful traditions, such as child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM),  perpetuate gender-based violence .  - Conflict & Displacement - War and instability lead to increased sexual violence and reduced access to justice for survivors .  Strategies for Prevention & Accountability discussed during the Webinar - Community led interventions  - Strengthening Grassroots Advocacy that is Supporting women’s cooperatives and local gender equality networks to challenge patriarchal norms .  - Legal Reforms: Advocating for ratification of CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) in Sudan and South Sudan .  - Multi-Sectoral Collaboration: Engaging police, healthcare workers, and local leaders in SGBV (Sexual and Gender-Based Violence) response training - Economic Empowerment: Providing small grants and vocational training to women in informal sectors to reduce dependency on abusive structures .  

Key Takeaways & Call to Action

1. Urgent need for legal reforms to criminalize femicide and ensure accountability.  

2. Investment in women’s economic and political empowerment to reduce vulnerability. 

 3. Strengthening survivor support systems, including shelters, legal aid, and trauma counseling. 

 4. Regional collaboration among governments, NGOs, and UN agencies to combat femicide.  

Selfless Compassion Initiative CEO concluded with a powerful call:  We must move beyond awareness to tangible action ensuring that every woman and girl in the Horn of Africa can live free from the fear of violence. This requires sustained funding, policy changes, and grassroots mobilization.