Women victims of tribal fights

By PETER WARI
THERE is no safe place for mothers and young girls to seek refuge during tribal fights and many are vulnerable to sexual harassment and intimidation, a mother says.
Judith John, a mother of two, from Kagua-Erave, Southern Highlands, told The National that many women and girls had been sexually harassed while seeking refuge on other peoples’ land.
She was relieved that peace had been finaly restored in her community.
On Saturday, the warring Anagerepa and Bela-Yamola tribes in the Aiya local level government signed a peace agreement at Sumi village.
Eleven lives were lost and hundreds left homeless when the tribal fight broke out last April over sorcery-related allegations.
“Every night we sleep, we think of our homes, our land and family but there is nothing we can do,” she said.
“We are helpless, we accept every challenge and pray each day that the tribal fighting comes to an end and peace is restored.”
John said relatives helped them by providing shelter and care but it was a strain on their families (relatives) as well.
“We (women) accept these challenges because our brothers, husbands and fathers never thought of the hard life we would face and are quick to fight.”
“You will see most of the women with tears of joy because the everyday struggles and pain they have experienced is over and are ready to start a new life with their families,” John said.
Joachim Orapa, one of those who led the peace ceremony, urged the women to encourage their husbands, fathers and brothers to seek peaceful means to resolve disputes rather than resorting to violence.