UNICEF and V-Day fight sexual violence in DR Congo

NEW YORK, USA, 12 February 2009 On the eve of a five-city US speaking tour designed to raise awareness about the effect of sexual violence on the women of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, activist Eve Ensler warned yesterday that western consumption of DR Congo's resources has "consequences ... on the bodies of women."

"We have blood on our hands," she said simply.

Joining Ensler to launch the V-Day "Turning Pain to Power" tour were UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman and Dr. Denis Mukwege of Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, eastern DR Congo.

The UNICEF-supported hospital treats rape victims and is one of just two facilities in the country equipped to perform life-saving fistula operations on these women.

To read the full story, visit: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/drcongo_47997.html

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

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• UNICEF
• V-Day
• Eve
• Ensler
• Veneman
• DR
• Congo
• women
• children