The Spread of Violence in South Kivu

Most victims are women and girls

South Kivu is a province that is located in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo-DRC. This province has experienced a lot of troubles due to the consecutive wars that have torn apart the DRC.

The consequences of these wars were blind; they affected almost every person and thing in the province in one way or another.

There have been a number of articles on the above topic with seemingly increasing frequency. I have, in the past, added my voice and support to the cause in various opinions, both on fora and published articles. The topic, in my opinion is very important because it deals with a segment of the population that is in the majority in the country – i.e., women.

The NGO Working Group on Women Peace and Security is alarmed at the latest reports by its member organizations and the United Nations of mass rape and other crimes against civilians perpetrated in the Fizi area of South Kivu by troops of the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).[1] The NGO Working Group urges the Government of the DRC, the United Nations and Member States to heed the voices of Congolese women, who have repeat

Any individual, non-governmental organization, group or network may submit communications (complaints/appeals/petitions) to the Commission on the Status of Women containing information relating to alleged violations of human rights that affect the status of women in any country in the world.

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child both contain legally binding obligations in relation to the elimination of harmful practices affecting girls under eighteen that are based on gender stereotypes and prejudices grounded in patriarchy.

This Webinar gives a background of sexualized violence as a form of torture and the significant impact and consequences of this type of violence on survivors. The great challenges survivors of this type of violence face are offered as well as treatment options and considerations.

GEAR Campaign Regional Focal Point, Mabel Bianco of Fundacion para Estudio e Investigacion de la Mujer (FEIM), presented the campaign statement at the second UN Women Executive Board meeting.

It might surprise you to learn that the average middle class educated Sierra Leonean woman does not think about women's rights. More likely than not she also sees little wrong with the sexual innuendos and unsolicited sexual advances she might face at work or elsewhere. If she's a civil servant, she will not think that the reason why her promotion is delayed while young men new to the service move up quick is an indication of inequality.

First, thank you for including me on today's panel. I commend the Wilson Center and International Crisis Group for taking on this difficult and critical topic. The mass rape of well over 100 women just days ago in South Kivu is a disheartening reminder that despite international efforts, we still have a very long way to go before we can claim any success. Thank you to Dr. Mukwege for your inspiring work.