Saturday, January 24, 2009
Group Fights Rape in Democratic Republic of Congo
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Weekend Edition Saturday, January 24, 2009 · Rape has become a savage weapon in the civil wars of Congo, as much as guns or knives. Hundreds of thousands of women have reportedly been systematically sexually attacked during the conflict.
Congolese rebel leader Laurent Nkunda was arrested in Rwanda Friday. Groups such as Human Rights Watch have said that soldiers under his command have been responsible for some of the widespread violence against women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
NPR's Scott Simon talks with Eve Ensler, playwright and activist, and Dr. Denis Mukwege, the founder of a hospital in Congo that's helping victims of rape and mutilation, about their upcoming tour to raise awareness of what's happening to women and girls in Congo.
Dr. Mukwege is a gynecologist by training. He founded the Panzi hospital in the Congo — a place where victims can find treatment and counseling. He's been honored by the United Nations for his humanitarian work there.
Ensler founded V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women. She is also the author of The Vagina Monologues.
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