The Congo Civil War has been going on since the mid 1990s and some estimates state that as many as six million people may have died in the conflict. The rape of women, children and even men is common.
The United Nations has a peacekeeping force on the ground and foreign aid workers are also present. International consumer advocacy has put pressure on companies profiting from minerals mined in the region and countries have passed laws to limit the trade of these "conflict minerals." Despite these efforts, the suffering of the people living in this beautiful part of the world continues.
The conflict in the eastern Congo has resulted from centuries of exploitation of resources, disregard for life and lack of positive leadership. One needs to understand the slave trade, the division of Africa by European powers, the merciless exploitation of the Congo Free State by King Leopold II, Belgian colonialism, corruption under dictator Mobutu Sese Seko during the Cold War and instability resulting from the Rwandan Genocide to even begin to understand how things have gotten as bad as they are. While it is important to uncover the truth, perhaps we are making things too complicated. Perhaps we need to begin by simply supporting and empowering the people who have found a solution.
Author Dale Carnegie tells us that "most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."
Having lived in the Congo, I have seen this spirit alive in the population. When many would be tempted to simply give up, the Congolese wake up early every morning and do what they need to do to get by, to provide their children with food and clothing, to keep a roof over their heads, to simply survive another day, and most importantly, to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Rising from the turmoil of the eastern Congo is Synergy des Femmes pour les Victimes de violences sexuelles (SFVS), founded by Justine Masika Bihamba. Members of this local organization, at great risk to themselves, do everything they can for survivors of sexual violence, from calling for the prosecution of the perpetrators of these crimes, to providing medical and counseling services to those who have been raped. They also empower survivors by finding ways for them to support their families as they move forward with their lives.
To date, thousands have been helped by Mama Justine's organization. A number of perpetrators of the crimes have also been held accountable and this trend will continue as SFVS initiatives advance.
Though the eastern Congo is often referred to as "the rape capital of the world," Liberian Nobel laureate Leymah Gbowee has called it "the world capital of sisterhood and solidarity."
Indeed, in this male dominated, corrupt and violent political climate, we are seeing Congolese women stand together to be heard as they change their country from within. They are now being included in peace talks alongside warring factions and are bringing the hope of lasting peace to a people torn apart by decades of conflict.
The road to peace and bright future will continue to be challenging, but steps are now being taken in the right direction as the world begins to take notice and stand behind these brave and powerful women.
They, like all of us, pass through periods of despair which can seem endless. But there is always hope. Mama Justine and the determined people of the Congo illustrate for us once again the powerful words of the fourteenth century Persian poet Hafez, "I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing Light of your own being."
