COVER STORY DRCongo


With international women’s month in March fast approaching, some of Africa’s most influential women, and authors of inspirational books which NAW has featured in past editions, speak out to highlight the plight of women in eastern DRCongo.


Women speak


“WE OWE IT TO THE WOMEN OF THE CONGO”


By Belinda Otas


“What is happening to the women of eastern Congo is atrocious, but far worse is the fact that the rest of the world is failing them. Te way we respond defines


our humanity and anyone who has any opportunity to speak out on their behalf or do something to rectify their situation should ask themselves this question: If you and your children were being raped, would you rather that others remain silent and distance themselves from you?”


SEFI ATTA is a US-based Nigerian writer. Her books include News from Home and Swallow.


“Rape as an orches- trated weapon of war is a cold-hearted and a most despicable crime by men who are (born of women). It is designed to stigmatise


and humiliate women in the worst possi- ble way. We owe it to our sisters to use our visibility and our voices to show our support of them, our solidarity with them, our empathy (and sympathy) of their trauma and, just as importantly, denounce the crime and call the world’s attention to it so that it is stemmed.”


CHIKA UNIGWE is an Afro-Belgian writer of Nigerian origin and author of On Black Sisters’ Street.


“All people of conscience, men and women, must bear witness to this violence and support local Congolese organisations that provide long-term moral and material assistance to these women”


30 | NEW AFRICAN WOMAN | WINTER 2011


“It’s easy to detach ourselves from the plight of others or feel like it does not affect us because it is not happening next door. But just imagine for a minute that a man


could take possession of your body against your wishes and instead of being taken to the ER, having a rape kit processed on you, getting whatever medical care you need including Aids prophylaxis, STD treatment, surveillance for pregnancy, psychological help, you get nothing. And it could happen to you again next week because nobody is really looking out for you. And then you still have to go on living, if you survive the ordeal. You may not physically be able to go to the DRCongo and help. You may not be able to take time off work and volunteer. But there is one thing you can do. You can pull up a browser on your laptop,


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