WOMANKIND are currently supporting a post-conflict project in the poor and isolated region of Manta, where women systematically experienced rape and other human rights abuses during the political violence of the 1980s.?
The impact of this violence, which became normalized over time, has been long-lasting, with the community having had no outlet for the trauma they experienced.
Our project focuses on two key areas: pressing for justice and providing counseling for those affected by sexual violence.? Our partners have worked with the people of Manta to create and implement the project, ensuring that the community has been able to participate in how it has taken shape.?
Carmela, now 28, was witness to the dreadful violence that occurred in Manta as a child.? She was ten when the military turned up in her village, and her mother and other family members were beaten and ill treated.? She was forced to leave school due to the fear which spread through the community.
She told us that domestic violence is extremely common in Manta.? The fact that the perpetrators of sexual violence during the conflict have not been punished has sent a clear and terrible message to the community: that violence is an acceptable and normal part of life.
“People abuse their wives and abuse their children … The acts of violence keep on being committed.? We need to be able to talk about what happened, so that the violence will stop”.
