I hate how they call these animals that abuse the women "MEN". I for one would not compare myself to them... I'd slay them where they stood if I saw them commiting these acts of violence against the poor helpless woman. Whats even sadder is how not even the husband helped his own wife in the story that one woman told. Man, I cant stand how thier society looks down on the women and NO ONE does anything when a poor woman is raped. My heart was broken when I saw the woman with no arms picking up a baby. I just think "Put yourself in her shoes." Id want to end my life. Yet she was there taking care of the child. I am happy the woman for woman foundation helps these unfortunate women. How can these men just go and do this? Dont they think "this is someones mother, someones sister, someones LOVE! ARGH! I HATE THEM. The sentence that said " Strategic warfare" and "soft and safe" Shows how these men dont care for life, they do this as a form of warfare, a cowardly type of warfare. If they really are men set up your troops to destroy the opposition. Dont stir up the enemy by raping women and abusing them! ITS SICK THEY TREAT THESE WOMEN LIKE ITEMS. THIS HAS TO STOP! Its an abuse of power on the militants and police part, and an abuse of society on the villages side for treating these women as broken objects after theyre raped. These people that look and do nothing and the ones that austricise the raped victims are just as bad.
What is happening to these women is very tragic and sad. Not only are they being brutally abused but also outcasted from society. The community should be providing help and support to the victims instead of looking down upon them. I couldn't even come close to imagining what a tremendous impact such an act as this has on a child. Life is being taken away from the rape victims and also the children who are forced to witness the horrendous tragedy.
The detriment that is being caused to women in Congo is despicable. Woman are being raped not only literally but also of their rights, dignity, and both mental and physical health. It is hard to believe that a civil war and poor conditions has caused such immorality amongst men; It is sickening that men must prove their 'manliness' through torturing the less dominant. Some women have even been raped and abused in the vicinity of family members and their own children, which could lead to even further psychological damage. Laws and regulations need to be both applied and enforced in order to stop this militia violence .It is unjustifiable to keep allowing women from congo to be raped of their dignity and objectified in this manner. It is hazardous to them and the Congolian society itself. It is important that the women that have been affected seek help and I think the 'Women for Women' foundation is a good way to lessen the distress that has been caused to these victims.
What is happening to these women is very tragic and sad. Not only are they being brutally abused but also outcasted from society. The community should be providing help and support to the victims instead of looking down upon them. I couldn't even come close to imagining what a tremendous impact such an act as this has on a child. Life is being taken away from the rape victims and also the children who are forced to witness the horrendous tragedy.
The raping and gang raping of women in any country by men is basically the same. The men who commits such a crime are simple cowards who must have a low self esteem and must not feel complete themselves. Why do they need to have weapons with them when they rape as if the forceful use of their penis isn't enough? Why degrade women, what is the point? Are they so weak in so many areas of their own lives? I think so. Unfortunately, many of the crimes are taking place in areas like the Congo and Sudan where the countries are poor and the government officials seem to care less. Someone must be held accountable for these atrocious offenses to the female gender. I truly do not understand the point in tearing women down to make them feel undesirable, unworthy, less respected by their husband and own children. This is an embarrassment and an insult to our people, filled with much ignorance and perversion. Women are our teachers, nurturers, protection, and first and foremost our mothers, for whom without these bafoons who are known as men or just the opposite sex would and could not exist. Do they not know as babies and growing boys they were once raise by women moms, grandmas, aunts and sisters. The breast that fed them as sucklings are the same breast that they cut off, the uterus that onced housed and protected them are the same ones they desire to cut and mame today. Do they hate their mothers that much, is there any sense to this senseless violence? Of course not these perpertrators must be brought to justice. Education must be preached throughout and we must go back to the african proverb "it takes a village to raise a child". Truth be told these women ought be praised and built up, and not brutally and sexually torn down. Just a thought should we females carry guns and machetes and cut off and mame penis's just because we have the power or weapons to do so, would the governments think differently then, again just a thought.
Rape is an outlet of violence, of vendetta, of political stratagem, of morbid sexual inclinations and of domination from the perpetrator to the victim. It is a debilitating, impoverished, destitution of the victim. The cold fact in this world is that these mentioned inclinations can be visible in any society, any country or continent. The act of rape, alone is baffling and can polarize researchers, scientists, doctors, psychiatrists, et al in the search of causation and triggers to such behavior. These ideas are so much more muddled in Africa. The continent is notorious for extreme poverty, corruption and violence. The social norms and ideologies are not developed to those of the Western World maybe due to the idea stated in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: if you aren’t eating, you won’t be very interested in social niceties, or responsibility or respect. The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference. -Eli Wiesel Who cares if the women are raped, when everyone is hungry? Who is going to punish the MEN who are the land’s only resource of protection against war? Who is the easiest sacrificial lamb? Women are and have been the perfect symbolic sacrificial lambs in human history. Women are nurturing, by default, therefore must sacrifice themselves for the betterment of others. Women are linked to Mother Nature and must symbolically and subconsciously suffer as much as she has. I do not believe that lambs EVER deserve to die. I do not believe that women should be punished as pawns of war for the casualty of being born with a vagina and breast tissue. -Daniella Lopez
Irony around the world; “men” in the Congo rape, torture, and humiliate women and later on point them as an “embarrassment” to the public… weren’t they born from a woman? Or their “power” is the only thing that counts for these people? It is pretty disturbing to think that their “pride” is bigger than their brain. The so called “manliness” is nothing but a facade they create in order for them to believe they have things under their control, but wouldn’t it be better to use that brutality against someone stronger rather than a weaker one!? Don’t they have consciousness while torturing their victims!? What if they were the one going through the same pain they inflict the victims? If they were the ones in these women’s position the probability of self-consciousness may increase considerably while the rates of brutality decrease. Women in the Congo have become like an icon used by men as an accomplishment of victory and “power” while inflicting fear in the community. The saddest part is that some cases of raping were in front of children, not only the raped women of this society are traumatized but the children who saw the horrible situation may develop some kind of trauma in the future as well.
This stereotype of “manliness” most defiantly serves as an exploitative. The definition includes words such as virile, and strong I can understand why men would want to obtain and keep this title. For ages now men are looked upon as “bread winners” and “head of the house hold”, but recently this has changed. Women are now starting to be that higher rank on the social ladder and men in return are threatened. I am not justifying the actions in which these men are condoning themselves. The aggression violet acts these “men” take toward innocent mothers and wife’s is inexcusable, and should not be left unjustified. - Schelisa Gilpin
The stereotype of manliness can be an indicator for power and carrying alpha qualities. In a society like that of Congo, being powerful doesn’t require money necessarily, but having the ability to manipulate people especially women to give them their demands, is what they strive for. As a form of tactical warfare why not use rape as a form of weakening the enemy. It reduces the enemies’ population by humiliating women and leaving them in a state that disallows them to be capable to reproduce. It makes the man involved in the rape to feel more powerful and escalating their desire to conquer more. It is a drug that propels the man forward into continuing in the detriment of women. Since food is scarce and simple commodities are just unavailable, rape is the only form of filling the void within these men. So is it a form of exploitation in the form of manliness? To rebel leaders it’s the perfect way to get the impoverish men to follow through on their acts of violence and their own selfish gluttony of power. Both men and women can be considered victims here but sadly women are the ones who get the sharp edge of the blade. It is terrible to see the conditions in which these women are left with after the brutal rape is over, and the type of life they must continue afterward. Its violence certainly is a cultural perversion with no beneficial output.
It is outrageous to see the testimony of these poor women in the Congo. How it is possible that in the 21st century women are mistreated to this degree? The only explanation that I can come up with is that the perpetrators who rape these women are demonic. It is shocking to think that they call themselves "MEN". These men don't have any respect whatsoever for the lives of innocent and helpless women. The worst thing is that these evil men get away with their crimes and continue their ominous rapes. Even worse, I can't understand how the community can discriminate against raped women. It is not their fault to get raped. They didn't want to be marked for the rest of their life with physical and psychological injuries. I think the solution goes beyond sponsoring the treatment of the victims. The community need to take action to change the beliefs and behaviors of the men who are committing these rapes. It is hideous to see how the lives of thousands of women and little children are destroyed in the darkness of pain, shame and silence. Leydi Escobar.
After becoming a witness of the brutality, injustice, and wickedness found in Congo, I became compelled to understand the source of origin that produced such resentment and animosity to emanate forth from a human being. These animalistic and hostile actions and impulses found in Congo fills me with a profound dread because these predators desperately seek the vulnerable women as their prey, and strip them from their respect and most of all from their lives. The abuse and perversion that these women have endured has affected them most emotionally, for everything that has ever constructed their pillars of strength such as, courage, honor, regard, and respect has all been shattered, lost, and stolen all from an inconsiderate attacker. Essentially, Congo has a substantial amount of violent incidents due to the ignorance and desperation that has culminated into moral depravity. The lack of education, respect, and sophistication leads individuals to harm for the thrill and excitement of fulfilling and giving in into the abuser’s desires; on behalf of the lack of restrictions. It is relevant for these locations to have strong regulations, laws, and rules in order to provide protection for these women and to enforce severe punishment and judgment with the purpose of bringing fear and moral ethics back into perspective. I strongly believe that ”a woman’s untold suffering” will help individual’s become involved in helping women that are physically abused in places that have an adverse amount of poverty. Evidently, there should be more organizations such as women for women because they serve as a remedy and a source of protection for these women to allow them to regain what they have lost. I hope that these women will create their own army and become warriors to fight for their dignity, honor, and respect, and to have the power and propensity to capture these predators. Michelle Quintana
Its appalling to read about these human right violations occuring in places around the world. The individuals victimizing those innocent woman are simply acting on primitive primordial impulses and the fact that they show absolutely no remorse for their actions is almost unfathomable. What makes us human in part is our ability to control our animalistic instincts and our aptitude to create and maintain a somewhat "civilized" society. With the more renowned recognition these issues are receiving, I believe countries like our very own should take some sort of action towards protecting the lives of these victimized woman. How are we to progress as a species if we cannot learn to respect one another?
It has become apparent to me that the reason for the growing number of rape cases in Congo has been because the rapist experience not only a physical reward for there crimes but a social reward as well by their fellow gang members. The dishonor casted amongst raped woman will pass as a result of the percentage of raped victims increase and become greater than the percentage of "untouched" community members (this includes the growing amount of raped males). Also the growing number of rape cases may continue to grow because the rapping of woman is becoming a norm in Congo and it may encourage children of future generations to try it if this problem is not dealt with soon. Another reason for the rape caused in Congo includes the minerals found in the area (gold tin tantalum and tungsten) which are traded off for more guns and ammunitions that are used to further control the people and in several cases tax them. In this cases rape is used as a strategic weapon in acquiring these minerals and intimidating communities that support other groups. If the profit motive is cut off the amount of rape cases would be reduce dramatically because many criminals would not be socially rewarded anymore.
The crimes being committed in these regions due to the civil wars and power hungry militias destroying everything in sight is horrifying. I think aside from the cultural and regional diffrences the biggest problem is that their society places the blame on the victims. above all the solution to this injustice is education. the crimes being committed to millions of women are mostly based on the premise that women are to be looked down upon. This way of thinking has devalued women and put men on a pedestal, in which awful and hanious crimes can be committed and yet it is seen as if the women are the problem. this problem develops into a social injustice into which "justice" is redefined because the victims can never win. I hope future generations will learn and grow to restore the basic moral values in this war torn countries.
Raping should not be a prize worth doing just to be titled a "MAN" . Women should be treated with all respect. The suffering these women endure is horrendous. Not only are the women physically and emotionally destroy. They are shun from society itself. The women are so disgusted with themselves. I am appalled at how the police officers allow such tragedy to happen and use it as a threat. As people we have a voice to speak out and not be reduce to nothing . The women for women program has provided a great rehabilitation for ladies around Congo.
The rape situation in Congo is appalling and revolting. These so called “men”, transmit various diseases, while tormenting and inflicting pain upon poor African women. These “men”, rape women of all ages, and use sex as a weapon to instill fear amongst the villagers. Demonstrating their power and force causing the people to give up their prized possessions and diamonds they might have found. These animals (called animals because there isn’t substantial distinctions dividing them from animals in the wild) use sex, which is typically used as an expression of love, in total contrast, practicing it as a violent crime. Theses rapes cause intense damage that even after the physical wounds are healed, there is terrible mental damage, which can take a lifetimes to heal.Hopefully by different organizations who graciously arrange care for these victims, publicizing these terrible events it will help bring awareness to the real needs and necessary work needed to help African women, instead of focusing on trivial things. After seeing these terrible crimes and hardships occurring in Africa, it makes one realize how fortunate we are to be living in America where women are treated as equals and respected as fellow humans.
In my opinion this goes way beyond cultural perversion. This is an extreme form of empowerment, self satisfaction and possession to the men and warning to countries who may oppose to their cause. The man is in control and they want it to stay that way because these poor countries can’t afford men to not be in control. The country protects the men because they are seen as the only ones who can survive at war long enough to stand up for their country. No country can live without reproduction and the increase of population, so by raping its victims they are expressing their anger and hate and carelessness to the country. Raping is considered as one of the most despicable signs of disrespect towards a person whether male or female. They choose women because they are the only “weak” and “defenseless” victims. On the video it states that they are raped in front of family members like husbands, sons and daughters, this goes back to the same issue of empowerment. By displaying such acts the gang is emitting fear to the country by showing what they can do immorally to any women or anyone that may oppose their cause.
The civil war tactic of gang raping is revolting. What has become of the people in this world? It is heartless and cruel. Didn’t those “men” have a mother, sister, cousin? It is animalistic, they act as predators and the women have no choice but to be the prey. Who comes up with these offenses? It is barbaric; women not only being raped, but tortured with bees, sticks, and even shooting them in the vagina. These men think that this is going to make them better than anyone else? It is as if the women of Congo are no longer human, but rather a animals. These “men” consider raping a prize, it displays “victory”. If these “men” think they are so masculine and powerful, why don’t they fight face-to-face? The women of Congo are being mistreated and disrespected, why aren’t their husbands doing anything about it? Instead of being ashamed of their wives, they should be ashamed of themselves for not doing anything about it. Even the police officials, they use the rape tactic as a weapon to have “control” over the community; it is appalling. I can’t help but to wonder what will happen next, what will the next generation do? I can only imagine this being an ongoing cycle, as if degrading women isn’t enough. Luckily, there is still hope and we can change this tragic occurrence. Women for Women International is doing something about it, they are providing support and help for the women of Congo. Hopefully with time, this sickening incident will end and the women of Congo will no longer have to suffer the consequences.
What is happening to women in Congo is sickening and horrifying. How can men degrade women to this level? They take all dignity and respect a woman can have for herself and shatter it to pieces. These are all innocent women that deserve justice and respect. I don't know whether to believe this is an act of "man power" or simply hatred toward women. Not only is it bad enough that they are being abused, they are also shunned from society which adds more to the psychological trauma that they have from being raped.
Looking and listening at these woman’s hell in Congo is very depressing. Women are being terribly discriminated, raped, abused, and battered by men, and there is not much being done in Congo, neither other countries around the world who suffer similar issues . These images have impacted me greatly, and the words spoken by these abused woman. It’s really horrifying the fact that these women are being abused by their own husbands, when they are the ones who are supposed to protect their wifes. I believe that the law should be harsh on punishments for the rapers, and abusers. Women deserve to be treated as humans.
While I disagree with the notion that the dominant preconception is that the victim provoked her attacker, I agree that we have fallen into a vicious cycle concerning our "Culture of Silence". My disagreement probably stems from the hope that we have progressed enough as a society to discredit such an antiquated and ignorant belief. Why would anyone(regardless of character or any sexual inclination) provoke a sexual assault? I firmly agree that in many instances, not just the aforementioned, our predisposition is to 'sweep things under the rug'. In a sense that is what occurs when the shame brought forth by exposing oneself as the victim of a heart-less crime, is enough to compel oneself to not seek attention to the matter.
I am one of the last people to post, so I have read a lot of what my peers have had to say on the issue. I agree with some and disagree with others.
Who's to blame in a situation like this? Obviously it is not the victim's fault, but is it the attackers fault directly? Many of the men committing such horrid crimes against these defenseless women, act the way they do because of the nature in which they were brought up. Having grown up in war torn countries, they know no other way of life. Militias "recruit" these men at young ages and shape them into these horrible beings. They learn to attain what they want through violent means. Had these young men grown up in a different environment, I'm almost certain they would have the morality and values many of us share and would never commit such atrocities. Things will remain this way until a significant change occurs and that does not seem like something that will be occurring in the near future.
28 comments:
I hate how they call these animals that abuse the women "MEN". I for one would not compare myself to them... I'd slay them where they stood if I saw them commiting these acts of violence against the poor helpless woman. Whats even sadder is how not even the husband helped his own wife in the story that one woman told. Man, I cant stand how thier society looks down on the women and NO ONE does anything when a poor woman is raped. My heart was broken when I saw the woman with no arms picking up a baby. I just think "Put yourself in her shoes." Id want to end my life. Yet she was there taking care of the child. I am happy the woman for woman foundation helps these unfortunate women. How can these men just go and do this? Dont they think "this is someones mother, someones sister, someones LOVE! ARGH! I HATE THEM. The sentence that said " Strategic warfare" and "soft and safe" Shows how these men dont care for life, they do this as a form of warfare, a cowardly type of warfare. If they really are men set up your troops to destroy the opposition. Dont stir up the enemy by raping women and abusing them! ITS SICK THEY TREAT THESE WOMEN LIKE ITEMS. THIS HAS TO STOP! Its an abuse of power on the militants and police part, and an abuse of society on the villages side for treating these women as broken objects after theyre raped. These people that look and do nothing and the ones that austricise the raped victims are just as bad.
Let's sign with our names at the bottom of the comment.
What is happening to these women is very tragic and sad. Not only are they being brutally abused but also outcasted from society. The community should be providing help and support to the victims instead of looking down upon them. I couldn't even come close to imagining what a tremendous impact such an act as this has on a child. Life is being taken away from the rape victims and also the children who are forced to witness the horrendous tragedy.
Angelica Valencia
The detriment that is being caused to women in Congo is despicable. Woman are being raped not only literally but also of their rights, dignity, and both mental and physical health. It is hard to believe that a civil war and poor conditions has caused such immorality amongst men; It is sickening that men must prove their 'manliness' through torturing the less dominant. Some women have even been raped and abused in the vicinity of family members and their own children, which could lead to even further psychological damage. Laws and regulations need to be both applied and enforced in order to stop this militia violence .It is unjustifiable to keep allowing women from congo to be raped of their dignity and objectified in this manner. It is hazardous to them and the Congolian society itself. It is important that the women that have been affected seek help and I think the 'Women for Women' foundation is a good way to lessen the distress that has been caused to these victims.
-Corinna Male
What is happening to these women is very tragic and sad. Not only are they being brutally abused but also outcasted from society. The community should be providing help and support to the victims instead of looking down upon them. I couldn't even come close to imagining what a tremendous impact such an act as this has on a child. Life is being taken away from the rape victims and also the children who are forced to witness the horrendous tragedy.
Angelica Valencia
The raping and gang raping of women in any country by men is basically the same. The men who commits such a crime are simple cowards who must have a low self esteem and must not feel complete themselves. Why do they need to have weapons with them when they rape as if the forceful use of their penis isn't enough? Why degrade women, what is the point? Are they so weak in so many areas of their own lives? I think so. Unfortunately, many of the crimes are taking place in areas like the Congo and Sudan where the countries are poor and the government officials seem to care less. Someone must be held accountable for these atrocious offenses to the female gender. I truly do not understand the point in tearing women down to make them feel undesirable, unworthy, less respected by their husband and own children. This is an embarrassment and an insult to our people, filled with much ignorance and perversion. Women are our teachers, nurturers, protection, and first and foremost our mothers, for whom without these bafoons who are known as men or just the opposite sex would and could not exist. Do they not know as babies and growing boys they were once raise by women moms, grandmas, aunts and sisters. The breast that fed them as sucklings are the same breast that they cut off, the uterus that onced housed and protected them are the same ones they desire to cut and mame today. Do they hate their mothers that much, is there any sense to this senseless violence? Of course not these perpertrators must be brought to justice. Education must be preached throughout and we must go back to the african proverb "it takes a village to raise a child". Truth be told these women ought be praised and built up, and not brutally and sexually torn down. Just a thought should we females carry guns and machetes and cut off and mame penis's just because we have the power or weapons to do so, would the governments think differently then, again just a thought.
MCozart
I dont know how to edit so heres my signature
Oliver Reyes
Rape is an outlet of violence, of vendetta, of political stratagem, of morbid sexual inclinations and of domination from the perpetrator to the victim. It is a debilitating, impoverished, destitution of the victim. The cold fact in this world is that these mentioned inclinations can be visible in any society, any country or continent. The act of rape, alone is baffling and can polarize researchers, scientists, doctors, psychiatrists, et al in the search of causation and triggers to such behavior. These ideas are so much more muddled in Africa. The continent is notorious for extreme poverty, corruption and violence. The social norms and ideologies are not developed to those of the Western World maybe due to the idea stated in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: if you aren’t eating, you won’t be very interested in social niceties, or responsibility or respect.
The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.
The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference.
The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference.
And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.
-Eli Wiesel
Who cares if the women are raped, when everyone is hungry? Who is going to punish the MEN who are the land’s only resource of protection against war? Who is the easiest sacrificial lamb? Women are and have been the perfect symbolic sacrificial lambs in human history. Women are nurturing, by default, therefore must sacrifice themselves for the betterment of others. Women are linked to Mother Nature and must symbolically and subconsciously suffer as much as she has. I do not believe that lambs EVER deserve to die. I do not believe that women should be punished as pawns of war for the casualty of being born with a vagina and breast tissue.
-Daniella Lopez
Irony around the world; “men” in the Congo rape, torture, and humiliate women and later on point them as an “embarrassment” to the public… weren’t they born from a woman? Or their “power” is the only thing that counts for these people? It is pretty disturbing to think that their “pride” is bigger than their brain. The so called “manliness” is nothing but a facade they create in order for them to believe they have things under their control, but wouldn’t it be better to use that brutality against someone stronger rather than a weaker one!? Don’t they have consciousness while torturing their victims!? What if they were the one going through the same pain they inflict the victims? If they were the ones in these women’s position the probability of self-consciousness may increase considerably while the rates of brutality decrease. Women in the Congo have become like an icon used by men as an accomplishment of victory and “power” while inflicting fear in the community. The saddest part is that some cases of raping were in front of children, not only the raped women of this society are traumatized but the children who saw the horrible situation may develop some kind of trauma in the future as well.
Denisse Unda
This stereotype of “manliness” most defiantly serves as an exploitative. The definition includes words such as virile, and strong I can understand why men would want to obtain and keep this title. For ages now men are looked upon as “bread winners” and “head of the house hold”, but recently this has changed. Women are now starting to be that higher rank on the social ladder and men in return are threatened. I am not justifying the actions in which these men are condoning themselves. The aggression violet acts these “men” take toward innocent mothers and wife’s is inexcusable, and should not be left unjustified.
- Schelisa Gilpin
The stereotype of manliness can be an indicator for power and carrying alpha qualities. In a society like that of Congo, being powerful doesn’t require money necessarily, but having the ability to manipulate people especially women to give them their demands, is what they strive for. As a form of tactical warfare why not use rape as a form of weakening the enemy. It reduces the enemies’ population by humiliating women and leaving them in a state that disallows them to be capable to reproduce. It makes the man involved in the rape to feel more powerful and escalating their desire to conquer more. It is a drug that propels the man forward into continuing in the detriment of women. Since food is scarce and simple commodities are just unavailable, rape is the only form of filling the void within these men. So is it a form of exploitation in the form of manliness? To rebel leaders it’s the perfect way to get the impoverish men to follow through on their acts of violence and their own selfish gluttony of power. Both men and women can be considered victims here but sadly women are the ones who get the sharp edge of the blade. It is terrible to see the conditions in which these women are left with after the brutal rape is over, and the type of life they must continue afterward. Its violence certainly is a cultural perversion with no beneficial output.
- Miguel Ramos
It is outrageous to see the testimony of these poor women in the Congo. How it is possible that in the 21st century women are mistreated to this degree? The only explanation that I can come up with is that the perpetrators who rape these women are demonic. It is shocking to think that they call themselves "MEN". These men don't have any respect whatsoever for the lives of innocent and helpless women.
The worst thing is that these evil men get away with their crimes and continue their ominous rapes. Even worse, I can't understand how the community can discriminate against raped women. It is not their fault to get raped. They didn't want to be marked for the rest of their life with physical and psychological injuries. I think the solution goes beyond sponsoring the treatment of the victims. The community need to take action to change the beliefs and behaviors of the men who are committing these rapes. It is hideous to see how the lives of thousands of women and little children are destroyed in the darkness of pain, shame and silence.
Leydi Escobar.
After becoming a witness of the brutality, injustice, and wickedness found in Congo, I became compelled to understand the source of origin that produced such resentment and animosity to emanate forth from a human being. These animalistic and hostile actions and impulses found in Congo fills me with a profound dread because these predators desperately seek the vulnerable women as their prey, and strip them from their respect and most of all from their lives. The abuse and perversion that these women have endured has affected them most emotionally, for everything that has ever constructed their pillars of strength such as, courage, honor, regard, and respect has all been shattered, lost, and stolen all from an inconsiderate attacker. Essentially, Congo has a substantial amount of violent incidents due to the ignorance and desperation that has culminated into moral depravity. The lack of education, respect, and sophistication leads individuals to harm for the thrill and excitement of fulfilling and giving in into the abuser’s desires; on behalf of the lack of restrictions. It is relevant for these locations to have strong regulations, laws, and rules in order to provide protection for these women and to enforce severe punishment and judgment with the purpose of bringing fear and moral ethics back into perspective. I strongly believe that ”a woman’s untold suffering” will help individual’s become involved in helping women that are physically abused in places that have an adverse amount of poverty. Evidently, there should be more organizations such as women for women because they serve as a remedy and a source of protection for these women to allow them to regain what they have lost. I hope that these women will create their own army and become warriors to fight for their dignity, honor, and respect, and to have the power and propensity to capture these predators.
Michelle Quintana
Its appalling to read about these human right violations occuring in places around the world. The individuals victimizing those innocent woman are simply acting on primitive primordial impulses and the fact that they show absolutely no remorse for their actions is almost unfathomable. What makes us human in part is our ability to control our animalistic instincts and our aptitude to create and maintain a somewhat "civilized" society. With the more renowned recognition these issues are receiving, I believe countries like our very own should take some sort of action towards protecting the lives of these victimized woman. How are we to progress as a species if we cannot learn to respect one another?
- Alex Perez Calvo
It has become apparent to me that the reason for the growing number of rape cases in Congo has been because the rapist experience not only a physical reward for there crimes but a social reward as well by their fellow gang members. The dishonor casted amongst raped woman will pass as a result of the percentage of raped victims increase and become greater than the percentage of "untouched" community members (this includes the growing amount of raped males). Also the growing number of rape cases may continue to grow because the rapping of woman is becoming a norm in Congo and it may encourage children of future generations to try it if this problem is not dealt with soon.
Another reason for the rape caused in Congo includes the minerals found in the area (gold tin tantalum and tungsten) which are traded off for more guns and ammunitions that are used to further control the people and in several cases tax them. In this cases rape is used as a strategic weapon in acquiring these minerals and intimidating communities that support other groups. If the profit motive is cut off the amount of rape cases would be reduce dramatically because many criminals would not be socially rewarded anymore.
Javier Inda
The crimes being committed in these regions due to the civil wars and power hungry militias destroying everything in sight is horrifying. I think aside from the cultural and regional diffrences the biggest problem is that their society places the blame on the victims. above all the solution to this injustice is education. the crimes being committed to millions of women are mostly based on the premise that women are to be looked down upon. This way of thinking has devalued women and put men on a pedestal, in which awful and hanious crimes can be committed and yet it is seen as if the women are the problem. this problem develops into a social injustice into which "justice" is redefined because the victims can never win. I hope future generations will learn and grow to restore the basic moral values in this war torn countries.
Gabriel Tello
Raping should not be a prize worth doing just to be titled a "MAN" . Women should be treated with all respect. The suffering these women endure is horrendous. Not only are the women physically and emotionally destroy. They are shun from society itself. The women are so disgusted with themselves. I am appalled at how the police officers allow such tragedy to happen and use it as a threat. As people we have a voice to speak out and not be reduce to nothing . The women for women program has provided a great rehabilitation for ladies around Congo.
Claudia Hernandez
The rape situation in Congo is appalling and revolting. These so called “men”, transmit various diseases, while tormenting and inflicting pain upon poor African women. These “men”, rape women of all ages, and use sex as a weapon to instill fear amongst the villagers. Demonstrating their power and force causing the people to give up their prized possessions and diamonds they might have found. These animals (called animals because there isn’t substantial distinctions dividing them from animals in the wild) use sex, which is typically used as an expression of love, in total contrast, practicing it as a violent crime.
Theses rapes cause intense damage that even after the physical wounds are healed, there is terrible mental damage, which can take a lifetimes to heal.Hopefully by different organizations who graciously arrange care for these victims, publicizing these terrible events it will help bring awareness to the real needs and necessary work needed to help African women, instead of focusing on trivial things.
After seeing these terrible crimes and hardships occurring in Africa, it makes one realize how fortunate we are to be living in America where women are treated as equals and respected as fellow humans.
Zevi Fellig.
In my opinion this goes way beyond cultural perversion. This is an extreme form of empowerment, self satisfaction and possession to the men and warning to countries who may oppose to their cause. The man is in control and they want it to stay that way because these poor countries can’t afford men to not be in control. The country protects the men because they are seen as the only ones who can survive at war long enough to stand up for their country. No country can live without reproduction and the increase of population, so by raping its victims they are expressing their anger and hate and carelessness to the country. Raping is considered as one of the most despicable signs of disrespect towards a person whether male or female. They choose women because they are the only “weak” and “defenseless” victims. On the video it states that they are raped in front of family members like husbands, sons and daughters, this goes back to the same issue of empowerment. By displaying such acts the gang is emitting fear to the country by showing what they can do immorally to any women or anyone that may oppose their cause.
Here is my signature for the above comment:
Yessica Ardila
The civil war tactic of gang raping is revolting. What has become of the people in this world? It is heartless and cruel. Didn’t those “men” have a mother, sister, cousin? It is animalistic, they act as predators and the women have no choice but to be the prey. Who comes up with these offenses? It is barbaric; women not only being raped, but tortured with bees, sticks, and even shooting them in the vagina. These men think that this is going to make them better than anyone else? It is as if the women of Congo are no longer human, but rather a animals. These “men” consider raping a prize, it displays “victory”. If these “men” think they are so masculine and powerful, why don’t they fight face-to-face? The women of Congo are being mistreated and disrespected, why aren’t their husbands doing anything about it? Instead of being ashamed of their wives, they should be ashamed of themselves for not doing anything about it. Even the police officials, they use the rape tactic as a weapon to have “control” over the community; it is appalling. I can’t help but to wonder what will happen next, what will the next generation do? I can only imagine this being an ongoing cycle, as if degrading women isn’t enough. Luckily, there is still hope and we can change this tragic occurrence. Women for Women International is doing something about it, they are providing support and help for the women of Congo. Hopefully with time, this sickening incident will end and the women of Congo will no longer have to suffer the consequences.
-Maria Villavicencio
What is happening to women in Congo is sickening and horrifying. How can men degrade women to this level? They take all dignity and respect a woman can have for herself and shatter it to pieces. These are all innocent women that deserve justice and respect. I don't know whether to believe this is an act of "man power" or simply hatred toward women. Not only is it bad enough that they are being abused, they are also shunned from society which adds more to the psychological trauma that they have from being raped.
Zayuri Webb
Looking and listening at these woman’s hell in Congo is very depressing. Women are being terribly discriminated, raped, abused, and battered by men, and there is not much being done in Congo, neither other countries around the world who suffer similar issues . These images have impacted me greatly, and the words spoken by these abused woman. It’s really horrifying the fact that these women are being abused by their own husbands, when they are the ones who are supposed to protect their wifes. I believe that the law should be harsh on punishments for the rapers, and abusers. Women deserve to be treated as humans.
Estefa Pinares
While I disagree with the notion that the dominant preconception is that the victim provoked her attacker, I agree that we have fallen into a vicious cycle concerning our "Culture of Silence". My disagreement probably stems from the hope that we have progressed enough as a society to discredit such an antiquated and ignorant belief. Why would anyone(regardless of character or any sexual inclination) provoke a sexual assault? I firmly agree that in many instances, not just the aforementioned, our predisposition is to 'sweep things under the rug'. In a sense that is what occurs when the shame brought forth by exposing oneself as the victim of a heart-less crime, is enough to compel oneself to not seek attention to the matter.
-Tony Castineyra
I am one of the last people to post, so I have read a lot of what my peers have had to say on the issue. I agree with some and disagree with others.
Who's to blame in a situation like this? Obviously it is not the victim's fault, but is it the attackers fault directly? Many of the men committing such horrid crimes against these defenseless women, act the way they do because of the nature in which they were brought up. Having grown up in war torn countries, they know no other way of life. Militias "recruit" these men at young ages and shape them into these horrible beings. They learn to attain what they want through violent means. Had these young men grown up in a different environment, I'm almost certain they would have the morality and values many of us share and would never commit such atrocities. Things will remain this way until a significant change occurs and that does not seem like something that will be occurring in the near future.
-Randy Varona
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