SEXUAL VIOLENCE AS A WEAPON OF WAR; THE CASE OF BORA WOREDA IN THE SOUTHERN ZONE OF TIGRAY REGION

Abstract

This study explores the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in Bora woreda, located in the southern zone of Ethiopia’s Tigray Region. Since the onset of the armed conflict in November 2020, women and girls in Bora have suffered extreme and organized sexual violence, primarily committed by Ethiopian and Eritrean defense forces. The thesis investigates the magnitude, impact, and underlying causes of these atrocities, revealing that wartime sexual violence was not incidental but a deliberate and systematic attack aimed at terrorizing communities and breaking the social fabric of Tigrayan women. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and personal observations. The findings expose widespread acts of gang rape, sexual slavery, and physical mutilation, leaving survivors with deep physical injuries, psychological trauma, social stigma, and economic loss. Moreover, their voices reveal a crisis that extends far beyond personal suffering, also shaking the foundations of community identity and resilience. Critically, the research reflects on three underlying factors contributing to the continuation of sexual violence in armed conflict. First, the failure of international humanitarian law to prevent such violations has emboldened perpetrators. Second, sexual violence remains deeply rooted in patriarchal structures that normalize control over women’s bodies. Third, political narratives promoted by Ethiopian high ranking officials have either denied or downplayed the sexual atrocities. By amplifying the lived experiences of Tigrayan women in Bora, this study contributes vital insight to the broader understanding of conflict-related sexual violence and recommends urgent survivor centered policies, psychosocial support mechanisms, community based campaigns aimed at challenging patriarchal norms, and justice focused interventions to address the needs of victims and prevent recurrence.