I am 22 years old, and was born in Goma. Back in 2005 three men raped me when I was on my way to Rutshuru to buy some beans that I would later sell in my hometown. I could not tell which goup they belonged to, I can only remember they were wearing military uniforms.
I was married by then with 2 children. I got pregnant as a result from the assault, and my husband rejected me because of my condition, so I was sent to Bukavu with all my children.
As soon as I arrived to Bukavu I went to the hospital and got treated for infectins. Luckily I was not HIV positive. I gave birth in Panzi hospital, and I feel safe in this village. This is were I want to stay. I have only one auntie here, but she rejected me too. This is what happens to women like this in DRC, family and friends will reject you, so I had to get used to being on my own.
I remember once going back to Goma for a visit, and by chance my husband saw me on the street. He started shouting at me and became extremely agressive. I am afraid of ever returning back to my hometown.
I work every Tuesday and Friday transporting bags to the market and selling dried fish. Some days I would make $3 profit, others I come home with nothing.
I don’t want to re marry, I don’t trust men anymore. I see a better life for me since I satrted learning. I have never been to school before, and being able to read and write will help me in the future to do my little business, earn better money and maybe one day buy my own house.
Dear Kavira, I wish you all the best in your schooling and business. It’s wonderful that you hold on to your hope and dreams of one day building a business and buying your own home. I have to say, it makes me sad to think what the women, like yourself, must endure because they were raped. It is not your fault and it makes me angry that families don’t stand by and support the women that this happens to. It’s just one more unexceptable circumstance you must go through. Still, you are strong and that is worth more than anything. Hold on to that. You are an inspiration to other women, like myself, because of that strength. Live your dreams. You can do it. My hope is that your country will see peace and that the families that have turned away from their own, are educated to realize that victims of rape need their familes support. I wish you all the best. Lisa
By: Lisa, California on April 7, 2008
at 1:44 am