Title: The challenges of displaced women in the Goma camps: A daily struggle for survival
Introduction :
The situation of displaced women in camps in the Goma region is alarming. Victims of sexual assault and faced with precarious conditions, they face enormous challenges to survive on a daily basis. In this article, we will highlight the reality of these vulnerable women and expose the need for increased mobilization of humanitarian actors and Congolese authorities to sustainably improve their living conditions.
Challenges of displaced women:
Displaced women in Goma camps face many challenges. Due to limited access to food and basic necessities, they struggle to provide for their families. Many of them are forced to leave the camps to look for wood and food, which exposes them to the risk of violence, particularly sexual violence. Every day, hundreds of women victims of sexual assault go to the structures set up by MSF, demonstrating the scale of this problem.
Increase in sexual assaults in the camps:
Unfortunately, sexual assault is not limited to travel outside of camps. In recent weeks, MSF teams have observed an increase of around 15% in cases of sexual assault within the sites themselves. The precarious conditions of tents that do not close and the lack of access to basic services push some women into transactional sex, exposing them to exploitation and abuse.
Response from MSF and other organizations:
Faced with this alarming situation, MSF and other humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to provide essential support to displaced women. In addition to the medical and psychological care offered to victims of sexual assault, contraception, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and termination of pregnancy services are also offered. In addition, community mobilizers are present to raise women’s awareness of available services and combat stigma.
Conclusion :
The reality of displaced women in the Goma camps is tragic. They face constant sexual violence and precarious living conditions. It is essential that humanitarian actors, donors and the Congolese authorities intensify their efforts to sustainably improve the living conditions of these women and reduce the risks of attack. The protection and well-being of displaced women must be a top priority, to enable them to rebuild their lives and regain their dignity.