The Dark Reality: Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence against Women & Girls in Tigray Northern Ethiopia.

Article by: Auet Melache – @EriStarukMedia

Introduction
The prevalence of gender-based violence in Tigray Northern Ethiopia has become a social norm and attitude that normalizes rape and other forms of violence against women, particularly Tigrayan women and girls by Tigrayan men. This violence has been especially rampant during the 30-year rule by the TPLF party in Ethiopia. However, the hard question that we ask now is, why do Tigrayan diaspora supporters of the terrorist group, the TPLF, who attacked Ethiopia’s Northern Command post, fired over 100 missiles without provocation into the sovereign state of Eritrea, now continue to spread campaigns of disinformation of rape and genocide against Eritrea?

Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence in Tigray Northern Ethiopia
The prevalence of gender-based violence in Tigray Northern Ethiopia, that has become a social norm and attitude that normalizes rape and other forms of violence against women particularly Tigrayan women and girls, is an issue that has been going on for decades. This violence takes many forms, including sexual assault, physical violence, and psychological abuse. It is carried out by Tigrayan men, and it has been especially rampant during the 30-year rule of the TPLF party in Ethiopia. This violence has had a severe impact on the victims and their families.

The prevalence of gender-based violence is not limited to Tigray Northern Ethiopia. It is a global phenomenon, and various factors contribute to it. In the case of Tigray Northern Ethiopia, the long-standing historical, political, and social conditions have fueled the prevalence of such violence.

The Role of Tigrayan Diaspora Supporters of the TPLF.
Since the involvement of the TPLF in the conflict in Tigray, there has been widespread disinformation campaigns, including allegations of rape and genocide against Eritrea. Many of these allegations are untrue and remain unverified. However, Tigrayan diaspora supporters of the TPLF continue to propagate this misinformation worldwide.

Why Do Tigrayan Diaspora Supporters Continue to Spread Disinformation of Rape and Genocide Against Eritrea?

1. Propaganda Campaigns to Gain International Support.

The TPLF has been responsible for multiple attacks against the Ethiopian government. By spreading false information about rape and genocide, they seek to gain international support to push their agenda.

2. Revenge Against the Eritrean Government.

The TPLF and the Eritrean government share a long-standing enmity, which dates back to the 1998-2000 Eritrean-Ethiopian border conflict. The involvement of Eritrea in the Tigray conflict has been a significant factor for the TPLF in spreading false information about Eritrea being involved in rape and genocide.

3. To Discredit the Government of Ethiopia.

The TPLF has been discredited on multiple occasions with their involvement in corruption, human rights violations, and other atrocities. By spreading false information, they degrade the image of the Ethiopian government, both domestically and internationally.

4. To Avoid Accountability.

The TPLF has been implicated in multiple cases of violence and human rights violations. By spreading false information about Eritrea, they shift the focus away from their own actions and avoid accountability for their crimes.

5. To Further Their Political Agenda.

The TPLF aims to regain power in Ethiopia. By spreading false information and creating a global narrative, they aim to garner support for their cause.

6. Exploitation for Economic Gain.

Tigrayan diaspora supporters of the TPLF also use stories of violence and rape to collect funds from foreign donors. They create a narrative of Tigrayan victims and survivors, garnering the sympathy of donors and thus generating financial support.

FAQs
Q1. Is gender-based violence limited to Tigray alone?

A1. No, gender-based violence is a global phenomenon; however, in the case of Tigray, the prevalence of gender-based violence is particularly noteworthy.

Q2. What factors have contributed to the prevalence of gender-based violence in Tigray Northern Ethiopia?

A2. Various historical, political, and social factors have contributed to the prevalence of gender-based violence in Tigray Northern Ethiopia. The 30-year rule by the TPLF party in Ethiopia has fostered a climate where violence and abuse are normalized.

Q3. Is the information being spread by Tigrayan diaspora supporters of the TPLF regarding rape and genocide against Eritrea true?

A3. No, there is no evidence to support these claims. The TPLF is propagating these allegations as part of a wider disinformation campaign.

Q4. How can we stop gender-based violence in Tigray Northern Ethiopia?

A4. A multi-level response is required, involving the government, civil society, and community-driven initiatives. Education, awareness-raising, and empowering women and girls are key to addressing the issue.

Q5. Are there support systems in place for the victims of gender-based violence in Tigray Northern Ethiopia?

A5. There are initiatives in place, but they fall short of the number of cases they need to address. There is a need to raise awareness, strengthen community support systems, and ensure individuals who commit acts of gender-based violence are held accountable.

Q6. Is it ethical for Tigrayan diaspora supporters of the TPLF to use stories of violence against women to generate funds?

A6. No, using stories of violence and abuse for economic gain is unethical and exploitative.

Conclusion
The prevalence of gender-based violence in Tigray Northern Ethiopia is a longstanding issue that cannot be ignored. All parties involved must work together to address the underlying causes and ensure that support systems exist for survivors. The disinformation campaigns of Tigrayan diaspora supporters of the TPLF must stop, and the international community must be wary of spreading unverified information that further fuels conflict. We must focus on factual reporting and ethical conduct to tackle the core issues of gender-based violence.