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Pickering woman hears stories from sexual abuse victims in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Aug 23, 2007 By: Kristen CalisPICKERING -- When Brigitte Muleka watched an episode of Oprah about sexually abused women in Goma last year, she decided to do something about it.
"I said I have to go there and see exactly what is going on," the Pickering resident said in an interview.
So, Ms. Muleka decided to become a member of New Hope For Africa (NHFA), a charitable organization of volunteers consisting of diversified backgrounds, hoping to give women and children the ability to become self-sufficient. She took a trip to Kalambayi in the Eastern Kasai and its surrounding villages, where she met a number of people, and learned first-hand what types of problems - hunger, rape and violence - women and children face there. She went back to Africa for two months this year, but to a different location: Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has been experiencing civil war since 1996. Since she speaks the native tongue, Swahili, she was able to communicate freely with the women she visited.
"The women feel really comfortable talking (to me) because originally I'm from that area myself," she said. "That's why they opened the door for us to interview them."
She added many times the women feel like others who come in simply take notes, gather data, and leave.
In her travels, she visited hospitals and health centres throughout the area, where she came across women who shared their stories. Fifty-nine-year-old Madame Safi, a mother of seven children, was out in the fields with her friend when three Mayi Mayi soldiers raped her. When her friend wouldn't give into their demands, they slaughtered her and took Ms. Safi as their slave for four months. After being abandoned and near death, Doctors on Call Services (DOCS) found her while searching for women in her situation. DOCS, a hospital centre, is unique in Goma and treats for free, women who require surgery due to sexual abuse. Most women need hospitalization from six months to two years.
Ms. Safi's situation is not unique, and Ms. Muleka spoke to many others with similar experiences. She believes people on this side of the world shouldn't ignore these problems.
"I don't think by myself I'll be able to resolve this problem, but the contribution of one person can still do something rather than being quiet," she said. "I promised them I will do the best I can do and spread the news to other people."
