In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), violence by armed groups seeking control of territory continues to steeply increase. Rising food insecurity and a worsening displacement crisis, mean that at least 14.9 million people are in need of aid according to OCHA. The life-threatening effects of the ongoing crisis disproportionately affect the most vulnerable communities; women and girls confront heightened risk of sexual and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with those living in remote regions facing additional obstacles to meeting their critical healthcare needs.
The protracted conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has put the country on the IRC’s Emergency Watchlist for 10 consecutive years. As armed groups continue to expand their presence, the widespread lack of clean water and sanitation services - which fuels the outbreak of waterborne diseases - exposes vulnerable and displaced populations, those with little to no access to proper healthcare, to serious health complications.
In collaboration with the European Union (EU), the International Rescue Committee (IRC) initiated a project for an emergency humanitarian response to support host communities and displaced populations in the South-Kivu province of the DRC.
The project focused on providing integrated medical, psychosocial, and socio-economic support to survivors of gender-based violence in order to improve not only their security and safety but also to make them more resilient.
Building local resilience
Neema is a 32-year-old midwife living in the affected yet isolated district of Numbi, in South Kivu. With 15 years of experience in the field of reproductive healthcare, Neema is an essential staff member at the local Numbi Health Centre, which provides vital medical and psychological support to victims of sexual violence in the area. She does prenatal check-ups and refers patients to psychosocial support services (APS) when they need counselling.
Neema explains how many women arrive at the centre already in labour, often traumatised because their pregnancies were the result of rape: ‘When a woman who conceived through rape comes here to give birth, there are many challenges because she was not prepared for it. She has no baby clothes, no blankets to keep the baby warm, no food, and no one to support her during the birth. ’
These situations pose challenges for the healthcare providers at the centre who do not have the capacity to offer follow-up support for the newborns.
‘I lack the means to help her,’ Neema says, ‘this also traumatises me. Our resources are limited. Once they leave the health centre, they continue facing daily struggles without any follow-up.’
The IRC’s EU-funded project strengthened community capacity by organising training sessions on supporting victims of gender-based violence, psychological care, and family planning for the staff at the Numbi Health Centre. ‘It has helped us a lot,’ Neema says, ‘now when we have a case, we have the skills to provide appropriate care at our level.’
To support the centre, additional facilities were also built to help provide better healthcare services. This included an ante-natal consultation shelter, a building for reception and triage of patients, as well as a proper waste disposal facility.
‘Here at Numbi Health Centre, through IRC, we have seen a new image emerging,’ says Neema. She has strong faith in rehabilitating women who have survived sexual violence: ‘Through our guidance, they can attempt to return to a normal life once again.’
There is still work to be done, as the centre is hindered by poor infrastructure, such as a lack of electricity. Access remains difficult since patients must cross a poorly constructed bridge over the river to reach the centre.
Finding and offering support through community
Nadine is a survivor of sexual violence who lives in South Kivu. Her life had taken a dark turn when one day, returning from the fields, she was assaulted by 2 armed men.
Completely shaken by the trauma of this experience, she chose to remain silent for fear of judgment and shame. Even her husband never knew what she was going through. After finally confiding in her friend, she learned about the IRC-led community-based organisation (CBO) in her area where she received the support she needed to regain emotional and psychological stability in the aftermath of her trauma.
‘They spoke to me with an open heart and took care of me, ’ Nadine explains. ‘After taking medication and speaking with them, I felt more emotionally stable. After I shared my story with them, they comforted me by saying I was not alone in this ordeal.’
Nadine is herself a member of the community-based organisation, where she extends support to other women by sharing her own experience in an attempt to restore hope. Being a member at the organisation also helps her in many ways—what she gives to the community, she gets back:
‘Making baskets helps me a lot. Because with the other women at the CBO, we weave baskets while sharing things with each other. This work can help us survive and grow. When I’m here with the others, I forget all the problems at home.’
‘I am confident that I will move forward.’ - Nadine
Prior to discovering the organisation, Nadine did small jobs, like carrying sand and stones, to provide for her child. However, now, after receiving a small grant and attending livelihood training sessions, both provided by the IRC, she began a small business selling sweet potatoes, which allowed her to stand on her own 2 feet.
‘I am confident that I will move forward,’ Nadine says. ‘I will see my income grow, and my children will be able to go to school.’
After facing her fears, she is no longer the same woman. She looks toward to a brighter future with her thriving business and her growing community of supportive women.
IRC’s partnership with the European Union in the DRC
The International Rescue Committee has partnered with the European Union to provide critical, life-saving support and humanitarian aid to the Congolese population affected by the protracted conflict since 1996.
With EU funding, the IRC delivers:
