As readers will no doubt be aware, rape is used as a weapon of war in the DRC. Denis Mukwege is a surgeon there who has helped thousands of women, developing expertise in dealing with serious sexual injuries. The war that has been raging for several years in DRC is about resources. A good way to force people off their land is to publicly rape and torture all the women, forcing everyone else to watch. In this way, a whole community is made to flee, leaving behind their homes, belongings, and land.
After being attacked by armed men at his home, Denis Mukwege moved with his family to Sweden, but the women of DRC begged him to return, even saving money to pay for his plane ticket. He couldn’t refuse, and has gone back to carry on his work.
You can read more on the BBC website.
I showed this video (about rape in the DRC and Mukwege’s clinic) at the beginning of my feminism class last semester: http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/women_on_the_front_line_democratic_republic_of_congo
It is very tough to watch (and I warned the students first), but I’d recommend it for any class that deals with rape, the status of women globally, etc.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely keep that on my list of materials for my feminism class.