Imperial War Museums to Launch Groundbreaking Exhibition on Sexual Violence in Conflict
The Imperial War Museums (IWM) is set to unveil a groundbreaking exhibition this May that sheds light on the often silenced and devastating issue of sexual violence in conflict. Entitled “Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict,” this exhibit has been six years in the making and will be hosted at the IWM location on Lambeth Road, opening its doors on May 23 and running until November 2.
Lead curator of Unsilenced, Helen Upcraft, emphasized the gravity of the topic, stating, “Sexual violence is a devastating aspect of conflict and very difficult to talk about.” She highlighted how this silence poses significant barriers to recovery, justice, and lasting change. By increasing public awareness and understanding of sexual violence in conflict, Unsilenced aims to educate visitors, empower survivors, and contribute to meaningful change in the fight against this pervasive issue.
The exhibition will delve into case studies spanning from the First World War to present-day conflicts, exploring the root causes and impact of sexual violence, as well as the pursuit of justice for victims and survivors. Featured exhibits will showcase the state-sanctioned sexual violence inflicted upon the ‘Comfort Women Corps’ during World War II and the atrocities suffered by Yazidi women and girls at the hands of ISIS in 2014.
Exploring Historical and Modern Perspectives
Unsilenced will provide a comprehensive look at how the power imbalances in conflict zones can lead to unchecked abuses, such as the sexual slavery of ‘comfort women’ during WWII and the violence perpetrated by the Soviet Red Army in Berlin in 1945. The exhibition will also examine instances of sexual humiliation being used as a tool to break morale, including the mistreatment of French women accused of collaborating with German soldiers post-WWII and the abuse suffered by Iraqi prisoners in Abu Ghraib in 2004.
Through a collection of photography, artifacts, testimonies, and interviews, visitors will be immersed in the harrowing realities faced by victims of sexual violence in conflict. Notable figures featured in the exhibit include journalist Christina Lamb, author of “Our Bodies, Their Battlefield,” and Sarah Sands, a journalist and former chair of the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council.
Empowering Voices for Change
In addition to showcasing historical atrocities, Unsilenced will shine a spotlight on the pivotal work of four key NGOs dedicated to combating sexual violence in conflict zones. Organizations like Women for Women International, Free Yezidi Foundation, Waging Peace, and All Survivors Project play a crucial role in advocating for justice and support for survivors.
Sara Bowcutt, managing director of Women for Women International – UK, emphasized the importance of speaking out against sexual violence in conflict zones. She stated, “Wherever conflict erupts, sexual violence is present – but no statistics will ever capture the true scale of this horrific crime.” Bowcutt highlighted the prevalence of underreported cases of sexual violence and underscored the importance of raising awareness to prevent such atrocities from occurring.
As the launch of Unsilenced approaches, the Imperial War Museums invite the public to visit the exhibition and engage with the powerful stories and experiences shared within. This groundbreaking showcase serves as a testament to the resilience of survivors and the ongoing fight against sexual violence in conflict zones around the world. To learn more about Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict, visit the Imperial War Museums website.
