In the battle for raw materials, sexualised violence is deliberately used as a weapon of war in Congo. Women and children are physically and emotionally injured and traumatised. Men and families are also demoralised by the extreme cruelty, as they are often forced to stand by and watch. The cohesion of families and society is destroyed. The offenders who belong to rebel groups and militias usually go unpunished.
Justice and politics do nothing against sexualised violence. Human rights activists from churches and civil society have been fighting for years to bring the perpetrators to justice. The interdisciplinary research and competence centre Centre d'Excellence Denis Mukwege at the Evangelical University in Africa (UEA) in Bukavu, Eastern Congo, is taking a different approach: it aims to research and document the causes of violence and to educate and train women. The improved living conditions of women and the sustainable change in their role in society should promote peace and stability in Congo and worldwide.
An advocate for women's rights, peace and justice
At Panzi Hospital, Dr Denis Mukwege has treated thousands of girls and women who have been victims of sexualised violence. He is not only a leading specialist in his medical field - serious injuries caused mainly by sexualised violence. He is also an advocate for the rights of women and girls, for peace and justice. For almost 20 years, DIFÄM has accompanied Denis Mukwege's medical and human rights work. For his commitment against sexual violence, the gynaecologist was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, among others.
At the Protestant University, a chair for combating violence against women and girls in conflicts was founded on his initiative. This project is now being carried out in the new Competence Centre Denis Mukwege. DIFÄM accompanies and supports this work by providing expert advice.
