Putting an End to the War on Women in the DRC

In addition to being one of the world’s deadliest countries, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is also the “rape capital of the world.”  The estimated number of rape victims in the country is over 200,000 women and rising every day.  Rape is a weapon against not just women but entire families and communities as well. Rape victims are outcast from their villages, effectively destroying the communal social structure.  Out on their own, many of the women find they need medical treatment resulting from their rape including complications in pregnancy and childbirth to HIV and fistula (injury induced by forceful penetration). 

There is now a movement towards the development of rape clinics in the country, many of which provide free services.  One such organization is HEAL Africa.  At HEAL Africa, women receive medical treatment and services that include counseling and training in life skills.  Some women even receive a “Fresh Start Kit” that gives them the training and capital to start up a small business.  Over 15,000 women have benefited from the services that HEAL Africa is able to provide. On top of providing support to rape victims, they they also provide community education and health services for children.  To learn more, visit their website at http://www.healafrica.org/