Voices of Trauma: Women in Ethiopia's Forgotten War Speak Out

Wed Nov 19 2025 11:08:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A chilling account of the impact of Ethiopia's ongoing conflict on women, with heartbreaking stories of sexual violence and the struggle for survival.

As violence escalates in the Amhara region due to the conflict between the Ethiopian army and local militias, countless women face horrific attacks. Many have been raped and assaulted, leaving them in despair. This article uncovers their stories, highlighting the urgent need for attention to their plight amidst a humanitarian crisis.

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.

Enat, a young woman from Ethiopia, recounts a horrific encounter with soldiers during a raid in the Amhara region. The Ethiopian army's operation aimed at quelling local militias, particularly the Fano, has led to a chilling pattern of sexual violence against women.

Victims detail harrowing experiences of rape in front of their children, a symptom of a greater epidemic that has emerged since the conflict reignited in August 2023. Reports indicate thousands of cases of sexual violence, largely unreported and undocumented, reflect the suffering inflicted on women as political unrest continues.

In a deeply personal narrative, Enat expresses remorse not for what happened to her, but for her future as a mother who survived such violence. She, like countless others, navigates an uncertain path ahead, fearful of societal stigma and the mental health challenges following such trauma.

The scale of reported assaults is staggering; reports indicate 2,697 incidents of rape recorded by health facilities, with many survivors facing long-lasting aftermaths. Victims, such as 18-year-old Tigist, struggle with trauma and feelings of isolation. They fear the world outside their homes and are grappling with the implications of their attacks—some have considered suicide.

The Ethiopian conflict has propelled a humanitarian crisis, marked by widespread abuses, including engaging in sexual violence, arbitrary detentions, and lootings. Despite these alarming statistics, international calls for accountability remain unanswered as local forces continue to clash.

As the fighting intensifies, the plight of these women urges a deeper involvement from global communities—offering support, understanding, and acknowledgment of their untold suffering. While Enat now cares for her daughter, her heart aches for a future free from fear—a sentiment echoed by many survivors striving for peace amid such turmoil.