World’s First Memorial Honouring All Survivors Of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Unveiled In The Hague

THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS — Associazione di Solidarietà Donne per le Donne (ASDD) has proudly contributed to the unveiling of Petrified Survivors — the world’s first memorial dedicated to all survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).

For decades, sexual violence in Afghanistan has been used as a weapon of war and control, with women’s bodies turned into battlegrounds by armed groups and warlords. In this context of prolonged violence, ASDD works to create pathways to healing and justice for Afghanistani  women by centring their voices, stories, and cultural symbols in advocacy and memorialisation efforts.

ASDD facilitated consultations with survivors from Afghanistan across the diaspora, who selected two profound national symbols to represent their journey of survival and resistance:

🌷 The Red Tulip Posy – blooming after a harsh winter, this flower symbolises renewal and the return of life. It reflects how Afghanistani women, even after immense suffering, continue to bring hope and healing to their communities.
🌸 The Almond Flower – traditionally embroidered into fabric by Hazara women for generations, it symbolises cultural identity, quiet defiance, and collective memory. Each stitch, like each survivor’s voice, resists erasure and honours dignity.

Quotes from Survivors:  “Men on both sides of the conflict have even turned women’s bodies into battlegrounds in their relentless pursuit of power.”

And Verses from poems chosen by Hazara women survivors:  “We are Hazara with almond eyes… We have not lost our willingness… We rose from the ashes of our bones and we’ll keep rising.”

These symbols are now permanently etched into the Petrified Survivors memorial — a global tribute co-created by survivors from over 30 countries.

A Memorial Rooted in Survivor Voices

Unveiled on the 3rd of July at the British Ambassador’s Residence in The Hague, Petrified Survivors was created by British artist Rebecca Hawkins in collaboration with more than 20 anti-CRSV organisations and survivors worldwide. The sculpture was unveiled by H.E. Joanna Roper CMG, outgoing British Ambassador to the Netherlands, alongside survivors from Kenya, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Syria and others — all of whom were instrumental in shaping the design through focus groups and storytelling workshops. The artwork depicts a petrified woman with an infant strapped to her back, her hands bound behind her, yet clenched in defiance. Strangler fig vines encase her form, while a dove attempts to free her — a poignant symbol of collective support. Viewed from above, the sculpture resembles both a speech mark and a teardrop, evoking silenced testimony and shared grief. The base is a rotatable compass, reminding us of the global scale of CRSV and the resilience of survivors across geographies. Engraved throughout are survivor quotes and cultural symbols that reflect the diverse experiences and hopes of communities affected by this crime.

Public Memory and Global Solidarity

Following the unveiling, a panel discussion was held with survivors and partner organisations, including Leesa Gazi (Komola Collective), Shahrbanu Haidari (ASDD), and Jacqueline Mutere (Grace Agenda). Speakers reflected on how art and memorialisation can break silence, honour truth, and create lasting change.

Rebecca Hawkins shared:

“Sexual violence is one of the most widespread crimes in history – present in every conflict, past and present. Survivors’ strength has profoundly moved me during this project. I’m honoured to help transform their stories into a permanent tribute. This sculpture carries their voices with dignity and challenges silence through public art.”

About Petrified Survivors

Petrified Survivors is the first international memorial honouring all survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. The sculpture was developed through a four-year collaborative process with survivors from over 30 countries and more than 20 organisations, including:

Amal Centre; ASDD; Centre for African Justice, Peace and Human Rights; Centre for Equality and Justice Sri Lanka; Consortium of Women Empowerment; Foundation Rwanda; Grace Agenda; Impact: Center Against Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence in Conflict; Justice for Lai Dai Han; Komola Collective; Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation; Mane Ho Visaun Founs (MHVF); Nadia’s Initiative; Post-Conflict Research Centre (PCRC); Red Nacional de Promocion de Mujer (RNPM); SEMA Network; Silence to Heal; SIHA Network; The Mukwege Foundation; Wangu Kanja Foundation; WARIF; Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice, and others.

The memorial aims to break the silence surrounding CRSV, offer a space for collective remembrance, and honour survivors’ resilience while advocating for justice and prevention.

About Rebecca Hawkins

Rebecca Hawkins is a British sculptor known for creating memorials that honour the resilience of women and marginalised communities affected by conflict. Her notable works include Mother & Child (London), commemorating the Lai Dai Han, and Mother & Justice, created in partnership with Nobel Laureate Nadia Murad to mark the Yazidi genocide. For more information, visit www.rebeccahawkinssculpture.co.uk.

ASDD is honoured to have contributed to the creation of this worldwide memorial. Through our continued work, we reaffirm our commitment to centring Afghan women’s experiences in the global fight for justice, healing, and dignity.