Dangerous Place for Women

The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most dangerous countries for women. The country is as large as western Europe and is rich in its natural resources. In the east of the country, soldiers from rebel factions have been fighting for the control of diamond and mineral mines for over a decade. Their victims remain the same: women. From old women to young girls, the soldiers have used rape and sexual violence as weapons to terrorize the communities. The Women for Women organization reports that 65% of women are illiterate, care for an average of five children, and have a daily income of $0.53 in the DRC. The Guardian reports that 12% of the country's women have been raped at least once and about 48 women are raped every hour.

However, women are seeking to rebuild their lives and have created a range of opportunities for support. In 2005, the new constitution was adopted and it commits itself to improving representation of women in all levels of government. Organizations have begun to create safe spaces for women to come together to identify and discuss obstacles to becoming equal and active members of society. Local women's groups have started public awareness programs urging communities to stop shunning rape survivors and embrace them instead. The older women are performing traditional rites to help rape victims cope with trauma.Women's organizations are expanding to educate women and their husbands about women's rights, bringing hope for change.