Women and young girls in Gina, a locality in the Djugu territory in the Democratic Republic of Congo, are facing an alarming situation. According to the Association of Women and Girls of Gina, at least 6 cases of rape were reported in 2023 in the five displaced sites in this region. The victims of these atrocities, the majority of whom are minors, often find themselves forced into prostitution.
The president of the association, Honorine Nzalema, expressed her indignation at this degradation of morals which is rife in Gina’s group. She denounces the erotic scenes between young adolescents, who engage in sexual acts in the fields or in abandoned homes. In addition, sexual abuse of minor girls is also reported, where adults take advantage of their vulnerability in exchange for paltry sums.
Faced with this situation, Honorine Nzalema asks the government to intervene and restore peace in the region. She underlines the importance of allowing families displaced by the war to return to their villages of origin, in order to regain a certain stability and security.
The Gina group has more than 10,000 displaced people, spread across five sites. There is an urgent need to act to end these acts of violence and protect the vulnerable population, particularly women and girls. Prevention, education and awareness measures must be put in place, in collaboration with local authorities, humanitarian organizations and civil society, in order to combat this sexual violence and promote respect for the fundamental rights of each individual.
It is essential to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection of women and girls, promoting gender equality and ensuring access to justice for victims of sexual violence. Society as a whole must realize the importance of combating this abuse and creating a safe and respectful environment for all.
It is time to act and make the voices of victims heard. The fight against sexual violence must be a priority for the international community, local governments and civil society. Together, we can help end these atrocities and build a better future for all.