| A study on sexual violence published by Kosovo Women's Network (Wareham, 2000) emphasized the difficulty in gathering data from the women directly affected by this type of violence. It pointed out that women remain reluctant to speak out and become engaged. In January 2000, the International Committee of the Red Cross documented approximately one hundred babies delivered by women in Kosovo that were conceived as a result of rape. According to Rehn and Sirleaf, "additional women gave birth to children following rape, but chose not to disclose this information." (Rehn & Sirleaf, 2002, p 15). As a professional who has experienced sexual violence and who has access to women who have had the same experience, I am intrigued by several elements I have observed in some women over the years. I have witnessed their ability to use these experiences to transform their lives and even emancipate themselves from the horror that haunts them.;This study will focus on the life stories of nine women survivors of and advocates against sexual violence as a way to seek greater understanding of how these women have moved from the position of victim to survivor to advocate and adult learner. Life story interviews and archival research will help to understand the role that learning plays in advocating against sexual violence. Revealing these women's stories also illuminates the complexity around issues of organizing as a consequence of sexual violence. It contributes to the literature on emancipatory learning by revealing how these women created the conditions for their own survival, and adds to the literature of feminist studies. |
