Christina Mitchell
United States/Democratic Republic of Congo
 “A failed state does not mean a failed people or, more notably, failed women.”
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After three years of preparation, I finally met the women of the eastern Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, regions hosting what has been called Africa’s World War.  These are women who have seen the worst, but work toward the best.  Who have fought and survived despite the too common media story showing them as only helpless, voiceless victims.  I had previously confirmed that the victim narrative was baseless despite …

Marie Targonski-O’Brien
United States/Democratic Republic of Congo
“…how can I possibly refer to someone like Helene as a victim when the only way I see her is as a survivor?”
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In The Democratic Republic of Congo, the voice of a woman is seldom heard. While the torment of rape and sexual violence ripples throughout a country stricken with conflict, victims, especially women, are left without the opportunity or resources to heal physically or mentally. Due to the sensitivity of the issue, and the complexities surrounding the politics of Congo, most people are hesitant …

Roxanne Krystalli
Greece
“Regardless of whether Strauss-Kahn is innocent or guilty, I am frustrated by the way the conversation on sexual assault has been unfolding.”
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In a Greece that is crumbling under the recession, people are, perhaps understandably, looking to place blame. The IMF has been the recipient of lots of Greek anger and the recent sexual assault and attempted rape allegations against former IMF Chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn have prompted a conversation on not only finances and management, but also on victimization and personal integrity.
I am a Greek, a feminist, a specialist in gender-related …

Yvette Nahmia-Messinas
Israel
“Women and men of the Middle East condemn the rape of our bodies, the rape of our dignity and freedoms.”
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Former President of Israel Moshe Katsav was sentenced to seven years by the Tel Aviv District Court on March 22nd for two counts of rape and other sexual offenses against female employees. Once enjoying public acclaim and attention at the top of Israeli society, Katsav is now to enter prison in May.
What Katsav did on an individual level—forcing his body on his victims—is perpetrated by other male monarchs, despots, kings, …