Turning Pain into Power: Youth Leaders in DRC’s Resilience and Advocacy to Fight Against Sexual Violence
In the face of escalating conflict, economic instability, and recurrent climate crises, reports of sexual violence and coercion are on the rise in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. One survivor, Ngoma*, who faced unspeakable horrors after being ambushed due to her deafness, has emerged as a beacon of change for girls with disabilities in the country.
Ngoma, now a determined youth leader, shared her traumatic experience with UNFPA, highlighting the abuse she endured and the subsequent challenges of becoming a mother at the tender age of 15. Undeterred by the violence, Ngoma returned to school after giving birth, determined to shape a better future for herself.
At the Espérance school, a facility for those with hearing and/or speech impairments, Ngoma and her peers are breaking the silence surrounding sexual and reproductive health through a comprehensive sexuality education program. The initiative, supported by UNFPA and the Ministry of Primary and Vocational Education, extends beyond traditional teachings to include life skills, personal hygiene, and gender-based violence awareness.
Father Jean-Jacques Diafuka, head of the Espérance school, underscores the vulnerability of individuals with disabilities, noting that some exploit their conditions to mistreat, exploit, and abuse them. Ngoma, however, refused to remain silent. Through the program, she learned how to report abusers and educate others on the importance of speaking out.
Ngoma’s advocacy didn’t stop within the school’s walls. She pushed for the expansion of the program to remote communities in Matadi, where education is limited, and access to information is scarce. Her efforts bore fruit with the launch of a toll-free hotline in January 2021, operated by the Ministry of Gender, offering counseling and support. Since its inception, more than 1,400 individuals have sought help through this crucial resource.
The comprehensive sexuality education initiative extends beyond the school gates. Teachers underwent a rigorous nine-month training course supported by UNFPA and funded by Norway, equipping them with the tools to educate students on sexual and reproductive health. Father Diafuka emphasizes the need to extend this training to judicial and police staff, ensuring a holistic approach to assisting people with disabilities in reporting gender-based violence.
Ngoma’s advocacy has brought about significant change, with the program now reaching areas where information was once scarce. The curriculum not only addresses issues of sexual and reproductive health but also tackles human rights, gender equality, and healthy relationships. This is especially critical in a country grappling with the highest intimate partner violence rate globally.
UNFPA’s We Decide program, dedicated to promoting the human rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, particularly women and young people, plays a pivotal role in broadening access to sexual and reproductive health services. The aim is to empower individuals to make informed choices about their bodies, fostering a society where survivors like Ngoma are not just heard but become catalysts for transformative change.
*Name changed for privacy and protection.
Source: UNFPA
Picture Credit: Dominique Jeftha/Unspalsh