Africa economy
In the DRC, survivors of sexual violence also rebuild themselves through work
Audio 02:20
At Panzi Hospital in Bukavu (South Kivu), the victims are from all communities.
Sonia Rolley/RFI
By: Charlotte Cosset Follow
2 mins
"
Capital of rape
", the eastern DRC inherited this terrible nickname because of the numerous sexual violence inflicted on civilians during the various conflicts.
The victims benefit from medical and psychological care.
But among the factors of the resilience of survivors, the socio-economic aspect is particularly important.
Advertisement
“
You don't reinforce someone who has no initiative.
What is your project ?
At the Panzi Foundation, Dr. Denis Mukwege came to motivate his troops.
The foundation has supported some 55,000 women victims of sexual violence.
There are now around thirty of them sewing to fill an order for uniforms.
Among them, Karine, 19 years old: “
I was raped and they took me to the hospital for treatment.
And I gave birth to a boy.
When I left the hospital, they brought me here.
I trained in cutting and sewing for a year and a half.
»
Thanks to her training as a seamstress, Karine has gained independence: “
It helps me buy soap to clean my child's clothes and buy some clothes.
But this is still not enough.
Today, I'm doing very well because I don't have a lot of difficulties.
»
► Also to listen: Panzi Hospital, in Bukavu: psychosocial care
Ange Batchoke looks over the seamstresses.
She is in charge of socio-economic promotion at the foundation.
“When
these women earn money, it gives them value, in their community and also vis-à-vis their husbands who had rejected them.
These activities are very important, it helps them reintegrate into their community.
»
Strength and Courage
Aline Mwamini is one of the survivors.
Treated at Panzi, she now campaigns for the rights of women who are victims of violence.
“
Many survivors don't have anyone to help or support them.
An income-generating activity is very important for a survivor of sexual violence.
“, she says.
Aline Mwamin has also found a certain balance thanks to work.
Starting out as a coal seller, she has become a real businesswoman.
"
When I go to Panzi, everyone looks at me and says: '
hey, this woman has become strong!'
And me, it gives me honor, courage, a lot of pride because I have my income-generating activity and everyone knows about this activity
.
It gives me strength.
»
Being independent and active in society contributes to healing, testify the survivors.
Newsletter
Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
google-play-badge_EN
Economy Africa
ground floor
Womens rights