The Democratic Republic of Congo has one of the highest rates of sexual and gender based violence in the world. Here, it is more dangerous to be a woman than a solider. Armed combatants frequently rape women and girls as a weapon of war.
Sexual and gender based violence has endemic proportions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and it does not occur only during moment of crises. At least 200,000 cases of sexual violence, mostly involving women and girls, have been documented since 1996. But the actual numbers are believed to be far higher.
To support survivors of sexual and gender based violence, CARE provides psychosocial, medial, and socio-economic support. For example, CARE provides cash or other resources; or we teach women how to form village saving and loans groups. This helps women to become independent but also to get reintegrated in their communities. And it reduces the stigma many women face after having experienced such terrible acts of violence. CARE also works with men to engage them in the fight against attitudes and traditions, which render women vulnerable to violence. The needs of women and girls in Congo are immense. And we clearly need to do more to help them protect from violence but also get back on their feet afterwards.
Find out more: www.care-international.org