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Healing the Wounds of War
References | Location

Since 1996, conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed between 2.5 million and 3.5 million civilian lives, making the Congolese war the deadliest in the world.

In Kivu Province many – mostly women – have become victims of sexual violence.  Rape and other forms of sexual violence have affected hundreds of women, girls and men of all ages. According to Doctors Without Borders, the true extent and magnitude of this terrible feature of war is only beginning to be seen today.

The repercussions include increased disease transmission of HIV/AIDS and serious reproductive complications. Fear, nightmares and psychosomatic body pain are just some of the psychosocial problems experienced by victims of sexual violence. For women, rape often means rejection by their husband and even the community as a whole. Victims of sexual violence feel isolated and ashamed are forced to find their own way and suffer from socio-economic hardship.

By teaching these women digital literacy they can tell their own stories. It is an exercise that not only empowers them, but provides therapy, and also materials for reaching out to others.  INCEF aims to facilitate healing among this group of women while drawing greater attention to their plight.

Additional References:

I have no joy, no peace of mind: Sexual violence in the eastern DRC (January 2004 - Doctors Without Borders)

Nothing New in Ituri: The Violence Continues (August 2005 - Doctors Without Borders)

Project Location

This project is starting in the Kivu Province of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, west of Burundi. (See bright yellow highlighted area, below)