Title: Surviving in the displaced persons camps in Goma: the struggle of women
Introduction :
The situation of hundreds of thousands of displaced people living in camps around Goma is alarming. Every day, a shocking number of women victims of sexual assault present themselves to Médecins Sans Frontières emergency structures. These women, already vulnerable due to the precarious conditions in which they live, face increasing risks of violence. It is imperative that humanitarian actors, donors and the Congolese authorities mobilize to sustainably improve the living conditions of these women and limit the risks of aggression.
The difficult daily life of women in the camps:
For women living in displacement camps, survival is a daily struggle. Often alone to provide for their family’s needs, they are forced to leave the camp to look for wood and food, thus exposing themselves to increased risks of violence, particularly sexual violence. Attacks which take place outside the camps, but which also spread within MSF intervention sites. Precarious living conditions and lack of access to basic services push some women into transactional sex, exposing them to exploitation and abuse.
The extent of sexual violence:
The figures are alarming. In July alone, MSF recorded 1,500 women victims of sexual violence at the Rusayo, Shabindu and Elohim sites, 2.5 times more than in May. The violence of these attacks is increasingly extreme, with serious physical injuries and an increasing number of women raped repeatedly. Acting quickly is crucial because the sooner victims present, the more emergency care they can receive to prevent unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and other complications.
Healthcare services for women:
The urgency of treating sexual violence should not make us forget the importance of other health services for all women living in the camps. In addition to the medical and psychological care offered to victims, MSF offers different methods of contraception, treatments for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy termination services. Specialized health centers also offer support for medical deliveries. It is essential to take into account not only the physical consequences, but also the emotional trauma suffered by these women.
Conclusion :
The situation of displaced women in Goma camps is alarming. The sexual violence they experience on a daily basis is unacceptable and requires urgent action from humanitarian actors, donors and the Congolese authorities. Caring for victims and improving the living conditions of women must be an absolute priority. It is time to act to guarantee the safety of displaced women and enable them to rebuild their lives with dignity.