Title: Surviving in the hell of the displaced person camps in Goma: the courageous fight of women against sexual assault
Introduction :
The city of Goma, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is the scene of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Armed conflicts and forced displacement have led thousands of people to flee their homes and seek refuge in displacement camps. Among these vulnerable populations, it is women who are particularly exposed to sexual assault. In this article, we wish to highlight the courageous struggle of women in Goma to survive and prevent sexual violence.
The fight of women:
Faced with the sexual assaults plaguing the displaced persons camps, the women of Goma have decided to mobilize. They organized themselves into support and prevention groups to deal with this dramatic situation. These groups, made up of displaced women themselves, are implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening security, raising community awareness and offering psychological support to victims.
Awareness and education:
Raising awareness is at the heart of the action of the women of Goma. They carry out prevention campaigns through educational programs in displacement camps, but also in surrounding communities. These programs aim to inform women about their rights, promote gender equality and prevent sexual violence. Workshops are also organized to raise awareness among men and boys about the fight against violence against women.
Security and protection:
To ensure their safety and that of their children, women have implemented protection strategies. They group together at night to sleep together, in order to reduce the risk of attacks. In addition, they set up alert and surveillance systems in the camps to report any suspicious behavior or potentially violent threats. These initiatives are the result of unwavering solidarity between women, who fight together for their security and dignity.
Psychological support and access to care:
Women victims of sexual assault find valuable support within women’s groups in Goma. Psychological support services are put in place to help them overcome their trauma and rebuild their lives. In addition, medical facilities provide care to victims of sexual assault, with particular attention paid to the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.
Conclusion :
Despite the difficult conditions in the displacement camps in Goma, women are showing incredible resilience and unwavering determination to fight against sexual assault. Their fight for safety, prevention and protection is an example of courage and hope. It is essential to support them in their struggle, by giving them the necessary means to rebuild their lives and prevent sexual violence in crisis situations. The voices of the women of Goma must be heard and their rights must be respected.