The first Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict is currently taking place in London, bringing together governments, officials and civil society organisations to create action and bring an end to rape as a weapon of war. The summit is running from June 10 to 12th and is a significant move towards changing conditions for women in conflict zones.
Co-hosted by Angelina Jolie and British Foreign Affairs Minister William Hague, the summit pushes world leaders to prevent sexual violence, prosecute perpetrators and protect survivors.
On June 11th, a unique photo exhibit, Beauty in the Middle, was opened at the summit. The exhibit offers a new perspective on the essential work taking place in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in responding to sexual violence in conflict.
A delegation from The International Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict travelled to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in February of this year along with award-winning photographer Pete Muller, and filmmakers Jon Bougher and Kohl Threlkeld, to capture the work and stories of grassroots women activists.
At the opening, Angelina Jolie and William Hague visited the exhibit and spoke to some of the Congolese women featured in the photos, placing a greater spotlight than ever on these issues and bringing the exhibit to the world stage.
For more information, visit stoprapeinconflict.org
