On any given day at Panzi Hospital, there are over 200 women receiving treatment for their injuries due to  sexualized violence. Recently, I asked a group of women if they would like to share a quote about their thoughts on the situation in Congo. Here is what they said….

“Women from Congo need peace. We refuse violence.” – Fadhili, age 30

“The situation is not stable in Congo. We are being raped. We don’t like that.” – Neema, age 23

“Peace is all we need. My parents were killed. I was raped. Peace is all I need.” – Furaha, age 22

“People have deserted the village because there is no peace. Peace must be restored so that we can come back home.” – Amani, age 48

© Lee Ann De Reus and leeanndereus.com, 2012.