Innovation Serving Survivors of Sexual Violence in Conflict

In war zones, sexual violence is wielded as a weapon of domination and terror. In countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Ukraine, tens of thousands of people – primarily women – endure its devastating physical, psychological, and social consequences each year. In this context, Bibliothèques Sans Frontières works alongside humanitarian, legal, and community actors supporting survivors, while leading awareness-raising initiatives to combat this violence. 

For several years, BSF has deployed libraries and digital tools to support women affected by sexual violence in conflict zones.

In Ukraine, women-only spaces have been established within centers that assist survivors, fostering their well-being and reintegration. In Nigeria, an innovative application – Backup, developed by our partner We Are Not Weapons of War – has been available since this summer through our Ideas Cube digital libraries. It enables victims to document evidence, learn about their rights, and access psychosocial support, even without an internet connection. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, we have supported mediators at the Maison Dorcas of the Panzi Foundation, where women and children who have experienced violence find refuge. There, a library of more than one thousand books supports educational, psychosocial, and reintegration activities.

“We have made access to information a cornerstone in the fight against conflict-related sexual violence. These tools not only help survivors rebuild their lives, but also empower communities to prevent such crimes by deepening their understanding of the issues and their impacts.” Léa Kor Fresnais, Project Manager at BSF.