One in Nine Campaign: Solidarity with Women Who Speak Out

The One In Nine Campaign was established in February 2006 at the start of the rape trial of Jacob Zuma, to ensure the expression of solidarity with the woman in that trial as well as other women who speak out about rape and sexual violence. The Medical Research Council (MRC) study on sexual violence (2005) indicated that only one out of every nine rape survivors report the attack to the police. This statistic prompted the name: "One In Nine". Furthermore, statistics indicate that of the cases that do reach the courts, less than 5 % of the rapists are convicted. This highlights the serious need for reform of the institutional framework for responding to women who speak out. The One In Nine Campaign works for social justice in a society where the sexual rights of women are respected, upheld and advanced. The One In Nine Campaign works with organizations and institutions involved in HIV/AIDS, violence against women, women's rights, human rights, and lesbian, gay and bisexual activism to ensure that the issue of the sexual rights of all women is addressed through: Building solidarity; Research; Media; Legal transformation; Direct action. Women'sNet is a member of the campaign, and supports the campaign's reference group on media.