Thousands of women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been victims of sexual assault throughout several years of war. Most of the perpetrators are members of the armed forces in eastern Congo. There was hope that the military conflict and related abuse would cease, since a peace agreement was signed in 2002 along with the establishment of an intermediary government in 2003. Yet, the violence continues. In eastern Congo, women and girls as young as three years old continue to be targeted for crimes of sexual violence, gang rapes, and sexual slavery.
Part of the reason for this is that members of the new national army have committed these sexual crimes. While the U.N. has provided some assistance to victims, it is not sufficient to meet the overwhelming needs of the crisis. A U.N. peacekeeping operation known as the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) has been sent to assist with a peaceful transition and protect civilians. However, some MONUC “peacekeepers” have actually been found to abuse and exploit women and young girls themselves.
According to the U.N. Secretary General, in the Congo (and some other countries), as many as 1 in 3 women will be beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in their lifetime. Yesterday, March 8th, was International Women’s Day, which had the theme “Women and Men: United to End Violence Against Women.” Is this possible in somewhere like the Congo, where sexual violence seems to be woven in the fabric of the people, where there is such a perceived devaluation of women? And how will this situation ever change if the government does not employ and enforce this message?
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The situation in DRC right now is indeed terrible. Obviously, the human rights abuses, specifically towards women, that you have brought up is only the tip of the iceburg. However, I don't think that it is fair to assume that sexual violence is woven in the fabric of the people. I think that sexual violence is often a byproduct of war.
ReplyDeleteAfter the Sino-Japanese wars, Taiwan was handed over to the Japanese. During this period of exploitation, of natural resources and of human beings, many Taiwanese women were recruited as "sex slaves" for the Japanese military. Some 50 and 60 years later, there are often old old women who come out to the media spotlight and talk about the genital mutilation and rape that was going on.
In South Korea, many women are left with their half-white babies after the Korean war. In Vietnam, the same trend can be observed.
I know that these three cases are of external powers coming into a country and abusing the local women; however, at the end of the day, I think in times of war, all of society's regulations and conformity goes out the window. In other words, the social norm of "respect women" is abandoned in times of chaos.
I think, for me, it's a sad truth of the human condition. It might not be the case of all men in times of war, but it sure seems like a trend. Moreover, I don't even know how effective government interventions can be. While we can't even convince the DRC rebel groups to be civil and to respect human rights, how will they agree to not sexually violate women!
(I realize that i'm super pessimistic in this message, but I think sometimes I do have a realistic side)
I think that sometimes, extensive, systematic and all encompassing sexual violence can, sadly, become the "norm" for certain societies if there are no interventions.
ReplyDeleteIn DRC, as in many countries, rape is a multi-pronged attack. A woman must endure not only the act of rape and possible pregnancy, but the unwillingness of the justice system (rudimentary as it may be) to address the assault. In addition, many of these women will also lose their families -- with many men not wanting women who have been "defiled" by another man.
I think the issue of "mixed race" babies in Asian countries is a little different. The social and political dynamics of these wars are different than those in the Congo. Fathering these children was not the result of a systemic campaign of sexual violence as terror tool. Some of these pregnancies were surely the result of rape, but others were the product of consensual unions resulting in pregnancy. There are many "hapas" in this country whose dads and moms met and married during periods of military conflict(s) in japan/s korea/vietnam/etc.
This is very interesting and complex. Even if these conditions are seen as a byproduct of war, how can we begin to think that it is the social norm in wartime? Isn't that just another excuse for men having control over women? Re the Congo, it states that 1 in 3 women will be raped, beaten, etc.... Is that much different than our stats? Causes and precursors may vary, but result is the same. Women are being hurt by men. Unacceptable in peace or wartimes.
ReplyDeleteI think this is very similar to what was going on in Dr. Farmer's book with Acephie's situation. During such vulnerable times, it's always the weakest...the "women and children" who are most at risk. I completely agree with Olivia - in extremely harsh times, people get desperate. Perhaps the men long for that affection and will take it at all cost, but the same could be said for women. They see these "different" men during a time when chaos is rampant and they will turn to "love" for stability...at least I hope that's the underlying truth behind "hapas".
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