Information about the women of The Democratic Republic of Congo.

1. Women’s Studies 420
Info about ME and the WOMEN of
The Democratic Republic of Congo
By: H e ath e r M .

2. About ME
I am a Biology Major as well as double minoring in
English with an emphasis in writing and chemistry.
This is my 4th year at MSUM
I plan on attending Physician Assistant school when I
graduate.......where I don’t know yet

3. More about ME
I have 2 brothers, Justin and Harrison, and a German
Shepherd named Elsa
I am the oldest
I grew up on farm
Fun Fact: All the girls in my family were born in April
and all the boys were born in October

4. Some More about ME
I have been coaching volleyball in the Fargo area for 3
years
I LOVE CSI: Las Vegas and Criminal Minds
I’m not a fan of Math
My favorite color is Green
I absolutely LOVE the Ocean

5. Women of The Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC)
These women and young girls are some of the
strongest women out there (emotionally, mentally
and physically)
They go through events you and I can’t even imagine
They are treated like garbage by men they once
trusted
Men from armies who fight for freedom, yet
captivate women and hold them prisoner for their
pleasure

6. Women of DRC
Women and young girls (ages from 1 year to 80
years) are often taken from places such as the
market, the fields, and their own home.
They are either sold into brothels, sex trafficking, or
held captive for as long as the men want them.
They are raped over and over countless times per day
Many women acquire multiple STD’s and even AIDS
which cuts their lives short

7. Women of DRC
If women who are captured don’t comply to the men
they are often killed.
If the men don’t think the women are good enough
they as well are killed
Many of these women who are raped often become
pregnant and die during childbirth.
If the women are let go they often die of
complications with STD’s or AIDS
The life expectancy for women is only 46 years old.

8. What is being DONE to HELP
these WOMEN?
In January 2008 a ceasefire was signed to restore
peace and stop the war.
The rapes, abuse, torture, and violence still continue
today in The Democratic Republic of Congo
Women are taken in by The Panzi Hospital of Bukavu
and treated for their sexual abuse.
Of the 350 patients the hospital holds over 250 are
survivors of sexual abuse.

9. Organizations
Multiple organizations have been set up around the
world to help these women.
A popular organization is Women for Women
International which helps women in African
countries
They raise money thru donations and give these
women a chance for an education, to have food, water,
and necessities, and to give them a new start.

10. Sources
To learn more about the organization go to www.womenfor women.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqqmNA0al9Q
http://www.panzihospitalbukavu.org/about.php?weblang=1