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SEMA Ukraine Joins Peace Boat's 120th Voyage to Advocate Against Conflict-Related Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Peace Boat was honored to host SEMA Ukraine, a Ukrainian non-governmental organization (NGO) for people who have survived conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) as a result of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine. Founded in 2019 by Iryna Dovgan, SEMA Ukraine tirelessly advocates for the eradication of SGBV as a weapon of war and works to protect the rights, freedoms, and public interests of affected women. Iryna Dovgan, along with Halyna Tyshchenko and interpreter Olha Taranenko joined us between the ports of Porto and Hamburg.
While onboard, SEMA Ukraine delivered three profoundly meaningful lectures to the diverse Peace Boat audience. The first lecture provided a comprehensive introduction to the situation in Ukraine and the context that led to the foundation of SEMA Ukraine, spanning from the 2014 invasion to the full-scale invasion of 2022. This session also included a screening of a part of the documentary "Traces," in which both Iryna and Halyna are featured, offering a powerful insight into sexual violence as a weapon of war.
The second lecture contextualized SEMA Ukraine within the broader SEMA Global framework, highlighting how the Denis Mukwege Foundation inspired, encouraged, and supported Iryna in establishing a SEMA chapter in Ukraine. The explanation of how the Mukwege Foundation's work has bolstered activism and advocacy at the local level was particularly insightful.
Their third session featured powerful personal testimonies. Iryna shared her experience as a survivor of sexual violence from the 2014 invasion, while Halyna recounted her attack after the full-scale invasion began. These testimonies deeply moved the hundreds of people in the audience.
Despite the extremely traumatic context of the group's operations, Iryna and Halyna emphasized SEMA's role as a supportive community that enables survivors to begin their healing journey on multiple levels. They also highlighted how laughter, singing, and dancing are integral parts of this community. Halyna, who teaches embroidery workshops for survivors, spoke about how such activities can support mental well-being and recovery. Ultimately, they impressed upon the Peace Boat audience that it is everyone's responsibility to act to stop conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).
The SEMA Ukraine women's openness in speaking about being survivors of sexual violence had a profound impact upon people onboard. Many women privately shared their personal experiences with Iryna and Halyna after lectures or during informal meetings around the ship, underscoring the immense value of focusing on this crucial issue. We hope to continue our cooperation with SEMA Ukraine, amplifying their voices and stories worldwide.
For more information on SEMA Ukraine, visit their website.
