Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

Violence against women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has made numerous headlines over the years, from female genital mutilation to sexual violence as a wartime tactic. List pieces of information (or speculate about) this human rights crisis in DRC, both past and present. In recent times, what progress has been made in this area? 

Teaching Suggestion: For students who may not be aware of the ongoing crises related to sexual violence against women in the DRC, you may want to first spend time reviewing the infographics and other information in the World Health Organization (WHO) at the link below. You will also want to draw out for students the connection between non-violent norms around The Devaluation of Girls and Women in DRC society and how that creates a climate that permits—and possibly even encourages—sexual violence.

• In 2021, the WHO compiled data from a comprehensive survey relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• World Bank’s “Changing Social Norms and Values to End Widespread Violence Against Women and Girls in DRC” describes how social norms that devalue women in DRC contribute to sexual violence in the region.