Warning: This report contains descriptions of rape and sexual violence. Names of victims have been changed and identifying details omitted to protect their privacy and safety.
In January 2023, Enat, a 21-year-old from the Amhara region of Ethiopia, endured a horrific attack by soldiers during a government crackdown. With her niece present, Enat was subjected to rape by an armed soldier, illustrating the shocking rise in sexual violence stemming from the ongoing conflict between the Ethiopian army and local militias, known as Fano. Thousands of reports of sexual assault have emerged since the outbreak of hostilities in August 2023, with victims ranging from children to the elderly.
Despite governmental restrictions preventing independent media from reporting on the situation, the BBC managed to gather harrowing testimonies and shocking statistics demonstrating the extent of the abuse. Reports indicate nearly 2,700 cases of rape between July 2023 and May 2025 amidst the turmoil, with the majority of victims being girls under the age of 18.
Another survivor, Tigist, 18, speaks of her own tragic experience, where she was gang-raped after rejecting the advances of a soldier. The emotional toll is palpable as survivors struggle with depression, fear, and societal stigma, while many are compelled to forgo medical treatment due to fears of further victimization.
Health professionals report an alarming number of rape cases, apprehensive warnings of a potential public health crisis due to rising HIV and mental health issues among victims. Though both sides of the conflict are implicated in the violence, evidence suggests a disproportionate share of assaults have been carried out by government soldiers.
The narrative of these women showcases not just individual tragedies but a broader systemic crisis within Ethiopia, where women bear the brunt of a deeply entrenched culture of violence. Many survivors, like Enat and Lemlem, feel the profound impact of their assaults on their lives, aspirations, and mental well-being.
The current humanitarian landscape raises urgent questions about justice and accountability, with international human rights organizations slamming the government for failing to take meaningful action against perpetrators. As the conflict in Amhara persists, the plight of women endures, demanding immediate international attention and intervention.
This is part of the Global Women series from the BBC World Service, sharing untold and important stories from around the globe.
