Luxembourg, November 7, 2024

Full House at CID | Fraen an Gender and Institut Pierre Werner Event with Dr. Monika Hauser on Gender-Based Violence in Armed Conflicts

Last night, CID | Fraen an Gender had the privilege of welcoming the renowned women’s rights activist and gynecologist Dr. Monika Hauser to an event at the Neumünster Abbey. Dr. Hauser, founder of the organization medica mondiale e.V. and recipient of the Right Livelihood Award, was the central figure of the evening, bringing her over three decades of experience supporting women in crisis and conflict zones.

At the heart of the discussion were pressing questions: What is the status of the implementation of the Istanbul Convention on protecting women from violence? What structural conditions enable sexualized violence in conflict regions? How do feminist policies contribute to advancing gender equality, and how can we collectively counter antifeminist trends?

The event aimed not only to address urgent questions but also to collaboratively develop concrete solutions. The key takeaway from the evening was clear: gender-based violence is not merely a byproduct of conflicts; it is often an intentional instrument of power deeply embedded in patriarchal structures. Rape as a weapon of war is an expression of these power dynamics. It is our responsibility not only to combat the symptoms but to change the underlying structures, emphasized Dr. Hauser.

After opening remarks by the Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, Yuriko Backes, and the Minister of Culture, Eric Thill, Dr. Hauser led a discussion exploring the connection between gender, peace, and security. The event, held under the patronage of the Ministry for Equality and Diversity, was organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defense, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, and the Institut Pierre Werner. The event also received support from the Neumünster Abbey, the Ministry of Culture, and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Luxembourg.

Dr. Hauser underscored that no armed conflict is gender-neutral. The support of the international community, along with local organizations, is essential to raise awareness of these issues and expand support for those affected. Her work in crisis zones stands for the holistic support and empowerment of survivors of sexualized violence and sends an important signal about the societal and political significance of this issue.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Claire Schadeck cschadeck@cid-fg.lu

Photo-Credit: CID – Dominika Montonen-Koivisto