Women, girls and the protection crisis in eastern DRC – Democratic Republic of the Congo

Context

Eastern DRC is one of the most dangerous places in the world for women and girls, the IRC has found.1 As conflict intensifies, so do the atrocious violations and crimes perpetrated against women and children, notably sexual violence, child recruitment into armed groups and abductions.
Women and children in the camps around Goma are subjected to dangerous conditions. The camps are overcrowded, shelters are makeshift, there is no lighting at night and hygiene facilities are inadequate, exposing women and girls to abuse.

Additionally, civil protection and security measures are minimal.

Outside of the camps, women and girls face sexual violence when travelling in search of income opportunities and firewood for cooking and to generate an income.

In times of crisis, women and girls suffer.

When resources are scarce, women and girls are more likely to be subjected to gender-based violence at home, are denied access to essentials, and are forced to engage in negative coping mechanisms to generate income for the family. Girls are forced into marriage to reduce the number of mouths to feed in the household and to gain income from another household.

Loss of income and high food insecurity can lead to spiking violence, abuse and exploitation of women and girls.
The high prevalence of gender-based violence across DRC is an indication of underlying gender inequality and discriminatory gender norms that existed prior to the conflict.

Nevertheless, women are important actors in the food security practices and decisions of the household. They tend to hold the responsibility of purchasing and cooking food for the household and are the primary feeders and caretakers of children but continue to face significant hurdles to participation in the formal workforce and access resources, assets and education.