WUNRN
Congo - In-Depth
Report on Gender & Conflict in Eastern Congo Reveals High Levels of
Violence & Inequality
Direct Link to Full 80-Page 2014
Report:
Promundo
and Sonke Gender Justice have released the
complete results from the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES) in eastern Democratic Republic of the
Congo (DRC), which reveal high levels of gender-based violence and the
continuing effects of conflict on couple and family relations.
The comprehensive report, Gender Relations, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and the Effects of Conflict on Women and Men in North Kivu, Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, affirms that the devastating impact of war in DRC affects nearly all those living in eastern DRC, and is manifested in highly inequitable and violent partner relations. Approximately 70% of men and 80% of women were directly affected by war and conflict in DRC, and their reports of conflict-related trauma – including physical displacement, injury, death of friends and family members and experiences of sexual violence – are multiple and widespread. The study’s results show that years of conflict, combined with persistent poverty, limited functioning of the state and widespread inequitable norms in DRC, create multiple vulnerabilities for women and girls, and no shortage of vulnerabilities for boys and men as well.
One key finding is that rates of sexual violence against women in eastern DRC are some of the highest in the world, compared to other settings where the multi-country survey IMAGES has been carried out.
Another key finding is that sexual violence as part of conflict, while brutal and traumatic for those who experience it, happens at lower rates than sexual violence carried out in the home.
