Case Studies
A story from DR Congo
A rape survivor from the Democratic Republic of Congo talks about her experience of being abducted, raped and impregnated by Rwandan soldiers, some of whom were infected with HIV.
From coalition member Christian Aid.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Stories of Impact – Rwanda
“The church has really been helpful, I did not attend church much, and so had no expectations from them. However when I experienced their caring and love, I decided to go to church more often and there experienced so much love and acceptance. They visit me; they make sure that I have all that I need. I am now part of the choir and they also accept my child. Their caring has allowed me to face the world, I do not feel so much shame now because of the rape, and they accept me and have adopted me into their family. I can face the world” Ineza*
This is just one testimony of how the church has been mobilised to support survivors of sexual violence in Rwanda, as part of a pilot programme by the Anglican Diocese of Kigali and Gasabo in partnership with coalition member, Tearfund.
Read more stories of impact from the pilot programme here.
We Will Speak Out US, 
Rwanda
Ending Complicity and Protecting our dreams
On the 22nd November, a group of remarkable women came together to share with local government officials, UN agencies, NGOs and church leaders. Their desire to be a voice for the voiceless.
Hear their voices here: It is time to break the silence
South Africa
Why we were silent…
During a meeting with church leaders in KwaZulu Natal, a group of survivors shared their stories thru a poem…
“When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak.” Audre Lorde
South Africa
Kezia’s Story
Kezia has blogged about her full story and the work of YWCA. Please visit her blog to read more. YWCA is a coalition member.
My name is Keziah Bianca, I am 22 years old and work at the YWCA of Kenya – Kisii branch. Kisii is a place renowned for practicing female genital mutilation and as a girl who grew up here, I was not an exception. I cannot blame my family for making me go through this inhuman act, as the society dictates it. In my culture it was considered unclean for a girl not to go through the practice.
The reason why I am writing this is to say to the girls who faced female genital mutilation like me, to still trust in life and a brighter future. It doesn’t matter what happened, or how your past has been, you can still have a future if you stand up and let your voice be heard. Talk about how you feel and also protect the young girls who may be facing the wrath of the knife as you and I did.
Chepka’s Story
Chepka lives in a village in Eastern DRC. In 1994 rebels entered her village during the conflict. When the villagers saw them coming, all of them ran for their lives. Chepka’s house was at the entrance to the village and she and her husband did not have time to escape from the rebels. They caught them both and after killing her husband in front of her, they tied Chepka to a tree and took turns to rape her. After she had been gang raped by 10 men, the men then found corn sticks which they inserted into her vagina. She remembers nothing else of the attack as at this point she fainted.
As a result of the rape and violence, Chepka had a fistula (a tear between the vagina and bladder/rectum). She also suffered from chronic back pain and other injuries as a result of the gang rape.
Chepka lived with the fistula for 14 years until a HEAL Africa mobile clinic visited her community and informed them of the signs and symptoms of a fistula. Chepka was able to go to the hospital and have the fistula repaired. Whilst at HEAL Africa she was able to attend literacy classes and learn how to make doughnuts so she could support herself when she is ready to return to the village. HEAL Africa also provided counselling to Chepka.
When asked what she thought of the men who had done this to her she said ‘I forgive them’. Chepka’s story is a powerful example of the church community in action. Forgiveness in this context is incredible powerful and amazing.
Chepka’s name has been changed to protect her identity.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Documentary: ‘Fighting the Silence’
A documentary showing the consequences of sexual violence and the first, faltering steps towards a remedy, through personal stories.
To view the documentary, click here.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
AVEGA, Rwanda: Supporting survivors of SV
Coalition member, CAFOD partner with AVEGA East in Rwanda. A Rwandan women’s association, founded by Odette Kayirere who found new meaning to life after the murder of her husband in the 1994 genocide.
Odette’s story is available on their website.
Rwanda