At times in Congo,
one could easily wonder where God is,” writes mission
co-worker Mike Haninger. “One example relates to gender
inequality, and specifically to sexual violence and rape. This
crime epitomizes the plight of women. When a young girl is raped,
she faces the choice of reporting it or keeping silent. If she
reports it, she risks becoming an outcast. Her father will blame
her for bringing shame to her family. She will have no possibility
of marriage, thus no value to anyone. Her other option is to
remain silent and try to live a ‘normal’ life. A
life that can never be normal.”
Today, women are beginning to speak out and their voices are
being heard. In Western Kasai, Good Shepherd Hospital has been
officially recognized as the place that cares for female victims
of sexual violence. UNICEF has accepted a proposal written by
the hospital director, Dr. Leon Mubikayi, to fund a program
that will consist of a public relations campaign, counselor
training and establishment of counseling sites, equipping four
hospital sites with materials to address the medical needs of
victims, and dialogue with government officials to change the
atmosphere that blames the victim and protects the aggressor.
The medical care will include physical evaluation, treatment
of sexually transmitted diseases, antiretrovirals to prevent
HIV, and surgical repair of injuries sustained from brutal assault. |
