By Shudufhadzo Musida, UNFPA Global Champion
There’s a line from a song by Congolese legend Franco Luambo Makiadi that I can’t get out of my head: “Nzoto na ngai esili makasi, kasi motema ezalaki makasi” — "My body is tired, but my heart remains strong." It is the biso—the intangible spirit of togetherness and strength that is the core of the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
As a South African, the DRC is more than just a neighboring country just beyond our borders. Indeed we are connected by geography, history, but beyond that, we share the same dreams of peace and prosperity. Ever since I was a little girl, I have been enthralled with the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of the country, and the extraordinary courage of the Congolese people. Today, that fascination is mixed with heartbreak as the crisis in the DRC deepens.
A heavy price for women and girls
As the world celebrated the holidays at the end of 2024, conflicts in the country boiled over and escalated dramatically. The last three weeks alone displaced more than 1.3 million people as M23 rebels battled the DRC armed forces for control of Goma, a key city in the east. 400,000 people fled their houses, villages, and communities, leaving with their clothes on their back and leaving their lives for an uncertain future.
In humanitarian situations and in the case of DRC, supply corridors are blocked, cutting off access to food, water, and medical aid for up to 2 million people. Pregnant women, adolescent girls, and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) are among the most vulnerable. Many face life-threatening conditions with little to no access to healthcare and protection services.
In just one week, 492 cases of sexual violence were reported in Goma and surrounding areas. Among these survivors were 156 children and 6 men. The numbers are staggering, but they don’t fully capture the reality on the ground—many survivors remain quiet either from fear, stigma, and lack of services.
With no access to essential healthcare and protection, women and girls are vulnerable to heightened risks—forced marriage, survival sex, and violence. The structures providing the basic yet critical needs–food, shelter, and education–are ripped apart, peeling further layers of support for the vulnerable. Despite the protracted crisis in the country and continued challenges, I have always been in awe of the spirit of the Congolese people. For example, Lillian’s story—a survivor who found the courage to break her silence—reminds me how we can rise up and inspire others to do the same. Lilian said, “At first, I was afraid. But I realized that staying silent meant giving up on hope.” Today, Lillian rallies other women in her community and supports them to seek the care they need. Lilian is a torchbearer for those with broken spirits but left with glimmers of fight for a better life.
This is the reason why I will forever be in love with the DRC—its people’s solid vision and quiet strength and determination to rise, rebuild, and reclaim their future.
It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of such overwhelming tragedy. But there is always something we can do. We must speak out and demand action.
Women and girls in the DRC need life-saving services—healthcare, mental health support, and safe spaces. But what they really need is a humanitarian ceasefire to ensure they can access these services without fear. Sexual violence in conflict is not collateral damage or grim by-product of war; it is a human rights violation– a war crime–and there is no excuse for perpetrators to go free while leaving a trail of broken bodies and spirits.
A future worth fighting for
One girl’s future is a lifetime worth fighting for. The DRC is a country with immense potential, and its young people are its greatest strength. I believe in that future—a future where every girl can dream freely, grow, and thrive without fear.
As Congolese wisdom reminds us: “Biso moko tosala makasi, tokokende liboso”—Together, with strength, we will move forward.
Let us stand in solidarity with the women and girls of the DRC. Share their stories. Raise your voice. Support the organizations making a difference. Together, let’s strengthen our bond beyond borders, and move forward….for the people of DRC.
