The Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) condemns the rape of three young girls in Afgoye, South-West State, and Balanballe, Galmudug. These tragic events remain one of the most heinous human rights violations and leave a deep-rooted stain on victims' families and communities.
For too long, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) has been a deep scourge in Somali society, contributing to its unrelenting levels of gender inequality. SGBV keeps women subordinate - specially working women who are breadwinners of their families - stifles their voices and agency, and impacts their levels of productivity, thereby keeping them poor and economically disempowered. Sexual violence against children significantly interrupts their emotional, social and educational development; its ripple effects are felt far into their future and it has the potential to derail the normal trajectory of their lives.
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