MOSUCA’s 2024 journey: Becoming a key actor in CRSV prevention and response in Central African Republic

Unity is strength 

On 8 March 2024, MOSUCA (Mouvement pour les Survivant.e.s de Violences Sexuelles en Centrafrique) received the prestigious 6th Simone Veil Prize, a well-earned recognition of their fight for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. 

From advocacy efforts to community-building, MOSUCA raises awareness about wartime sexual violence and the stigma survivors face. This year, our VOICE and Holistic Care team joined them in Bangui to host three strategic workshops, resulting in critical analysis and reflection about MOSUCA’s next steps.

Discover how MOSUCA is driving change and what’s next for their journey. 

This year, MOSUCA has set up its new key objectives, reorganising its charter and expanding its knowledge of community outreach.

Thanks to MOSUCA, now more survivors and victims of sexual violence in the Central African Republic are breaking the silence and benefiting from the care and justice they deserve. 

In their own words:  

“[MOSUCA] Ça m’a ouvert les yeux et m’a mis en contact avec les autres et m’a permis de comprendre que cette histoire ce n’est pas que moi, ça m’a beaucoup aidé,” says a workshop participant.

“[MOSUCA] It opened my eyes and put me in contact with others and allowed me to understand that this story is not just me, it helped me a lot.”

“Dans MOSUCA j’ai appris beaucoup de choses , je vis en autonomie grâce à MOSUCA alors qu’avant j’étais cachée et isolée.”

“In MOSUCA I learned a lot of things, I live independently thanks to MOSUCA whereas before I was hidden and isolated.”

“Grâce à MOSUCA, que je suis passée de victime à survivante à activiste”

“Thanks to MOSUCA, I went from victim to survivor to activist”

Strengthening capacity with MOSUCA   

MOSUCA dedicated the first day of the workshop series to reflect on their achievement as a network and build their charter, outlining the principles and objectives that guide the work, behaviors and internal processes of MOSUCA.  

The network analysed what sets them apart and reflected on the impact of being part of MOSUCA in their own life and healing journey. From its survivors-centred approach to its community-based support system, one member stressed: 

“Grâce à MOSUCA, je suis ce que je suis aujourd’hui, j’ai brisé le silence, je parle avec beaucoup de gens. Dans mon quartier, avant on me stigmatisant et me disant c’est toi la victime et maintenant on vient me voir quand il y a des préoccupations sur les VBG. Grâce à MOSUCA je parle devant plein de gens, je connais des choses maintenant et je peux sensibiliser les autres sœurs violées aussi.”

“Thanks to MOSUCA, I am what I am today, I broke the silence, I talk to a lot of people. In my neighborhood, before I was stigmatised and told that you are the victim and now people come to see me when there are concerns about GBV. Thanks to MOSUCA I speak in front of a lot of people, I know things now and I can raise awareness among other sisters who have been raped too.”

The network operates as a safe space within CAR and is getting the recognition it deserves, empowering survivors to speak up and use their voices to fight against stigma and injustice.    

Because of its positive impact, MOSUCA is now planning its future advocacy activities in Bangui, and in different provinces of the countries. 

Social cartography: Identifying critical spaces in their communities

Social mapping

During the workshops, MOSUCA members explored the relationship between survivors and their environment or community. 

By drawing colourful maps as part of an activity known as ‘social mapping,’ survivors identified key locations that impact their well-being, including safe, supportive, and high-risk areas within their own neighbourhoods.

They mapped formal care structures, such as health centres, NGOs and police stations, and informal community-based networks, like churches and meeting spaces.

The process highlighted gaps in care provision and how support networks could play a crucial role in supporting survivors’ rehabilitation and care.

Moreover, by mapping secure spaces or high-risk areas within their communities, survivors could better plan their outreach activities accordingly.  

Social mapping

By clearly understanding survivors’ existing resources and relationships to their environment, the network plans to strengthen its engagement with other survivors and key allies.

Together, they will address the conditions that affect survivors’ individual and collective well-being.

The final workshop aimed to bring MOSUCA’s vision to life, focusing on advocacy through interactive problem-solving. Members mapped out challenges and solutions, transforming ideas into actionable objectives.

Together with facilitators, they identified key allies needed to turn these plans into reality.

Identifying key stakeholders

A pivotal force for advancing survivors’ rights and needs in CAR 

One milestone already in motion is the purchase of MOSUCA’s first-ever premises, a step forward made possible by the Simone Veil Prize.

On 27 November, MOSUCA proudly received the keys to their new building, which plans to officially begin on 8 March 2025, when the MOSUCA Centre opens its doors.

The centre will exemplify hope, resilience, and action for survivors across CAR.

MOSUCA will carry out maintenance and renovations ahead of its opening in March 2025.

Thank you

We thank the Global Survivors Fund and the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women for their crucial support, which has made these transformative steps possible.