In the heart of East Africa, a silent epidemic is raging, leaving countless women and children scarred for life. Gender-based violence manifests in many horrific forms, but one of the most devastating is the homicidal burn attacks. These attacks not only disfigure the victims physically but also leave deep psychological scars. As a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon practicing in this region, I have witnessed firsthand the harrowing consequences of these brutal acts. It is time to address this issue with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.
The story of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei is a tragic reminder of the pervasive nature of gender-based violence (GBV). Rebecca, who represented Uganda in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, was a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. However, her life was cut short when she was burnt by her ex-boyfriend who set her on fire after drenching her with petrol. Despite her strength and resilience, Rebecca succumbed to her injuries, leaving a void in the hearts of those who admired her. Her story is not an isolated incident but a reflection of the grim reality faced by many women in Africa.
When perpetrators are held accountable and their punishments are made public, it sends a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated.
Gender-based violence is alarmingly prevalent across the continent. According to recent estimates, nearly one in three women worldwide experience some form of GBV in their lifetime. The recent rape and murder of a 7 year old child in Ethiopia, the ever increasing reports of femicide in Kenya, South Africa and Ethiopia are just few of the incidents that captured the attention of the media.
The prevalence of gender-based violence-related burns is a stark indicator of the broader issue of violence against woman. Acid attacks, a form of chemical burn, are increasingly becoming a significant concern. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda report some of the highest rates of acid attacks in the world. These burns often require extensive medical treatment, including multiple surgeries and long-term care. As a surgeon, I see the devastating impact of these injuries on a daily basis. The physical pain is immense, but the emotional and psychological trauma is equally profound. Victims are often left with permanent disfigurements, which can lead to social ostracization and economic hardship.
Another pressing issue is the cost of treatment for victims of acid attacks and other forms of gender-based violence. Surgical care is often prohibitively expensive, putting it out of reach for many victims. Waiving treatment costs for these individuals is a crucial step in ensuring they receive the care they need. This requires a concerted effort to secure funding for medical treatment, including surgical care.
The East African Community can take inspiration from Colombia’s Natalia Ponce de León Law – the 2016 law that has toughened sentences and taken judicial benefits away from the perpetrators of attacks using acid and other chemicals through trying chemical attacks as a specific crime.
There is also a more dire need of stronger accountability mechanisms that ensure existing laws are effectively enforced, offer opportunities for holistically tackling the blight of GBV and curb the prevalence of burn attacks on women. The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa provide robust global conventions for addressing gender-based violence. However, these frameworks are often not fully domesticated and implemented throughout Africa. The Beijing Platform for Action, established in 1995, also outlines comprehensive measures to combat gender-based violence, yet many of its recommendations remain unfulfilled.
To make meaningful progress, we must focus on the implementation of these existing laws rather than enacting new ones. One effective approach is “gender mainstreaming”, which involves integrating gender perspectives into all aspects of policy and decision-making. This ensures that the needs and experiences of women are considered in every sector, from healthcare to education to law enforcement.
Publicizing court decisions on cases of sexual and gender-based violence and intimate partner violence can also serve as a powerful deterrent. When perpetrators are held accountable and their punishments are made public, it sends a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated. Unfortunately, many significant judgments in gender-based violence and interpersonal violence cases go unnoticed by the public. This is because many of the media outlets that focus on covering social justice issues struggle to compete in the current landscape. Financing public interest media then becomes a vital strategy for supporting these organizations to help ensure that the stories of gender-based violence victims are told and that the public remains informed and engaged.
Addressing gender-based violence in East Africa requires a multifaceted approach. We must strengthen accountability mechanisms for the implementation of existing laws, promote gender mainstreaming, and publicize court decisions on these cases. Additionally, we must ensure that victims have access to affordable medical treatment and support public interest media in raising awareness. By taking these steps, we can create a safer and more just society for women and children in East Africa and beyond.
Dr. Metasebia Worku Abebe, is an associate professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery, leading the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit at Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Article first appeared in OnPolicy.
Photo by Maxim Hopman via Unsplash.
