The Documentary
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Some wars make headlines; some do not. In Congo the news can be found on the faces of thousands of women and girls who have been victims of sexual violence.
The Democratic Republic of Congo sits in the middle of what has become known as “Africa’s World War.” Officially at war from 1998-2003, there have been as many as seven neighboring countries invading the vast nation at one point. Many rebel military factions remain, preying upon poor villagers, especially women, for their survival. The rebels pillage, rape women, burn villages, and steal harvests periodically to maintain their own supplies.
Nestled in the hills along the Rwandan border, Panzi Hospital stands as the last hope for many of Congo’s victims of sexual violence. Every day women fight to regain and redefine their lives as they undergo delicate surgeries to heal from rape and mutilation at the hands of rebel militias and national military groups.
Women in War Zones: Sexual Violence in the Congo takes an intimate look into the lives of two young women who become sisters during their time at Panzi Hospital. Helene Wamuzila (22) and Bijoux Mateso (13) support each other in their struggle to maintain hope and dignity as they come to grips with their violent and tragic past. They look for hope in each other, God, and the upcoming presidential elections – the first in over 40 years.
Meet the Women:
In Women in War Zones, two young women at Panzi Hospital invite the viewer into their lives.
Helene
Since Helene was 14 (she is 22 now), she has been kidnapped and raped, disowned by her family, and endured 8 different surgeries for fistula- none of which have been fully successful. Despite having a tragic story of sexual slavery at the hands of multiple rebel and army groups, Helene’s spirit has not been broken. A leader among the patients at Panzi Hospital, she continues to pursue life with much hope for the future. A future in which she dreams of getting an education and starting a small business. Helene believes with the upcoming election – the first of its kind in over 40 years – peace and stability is right around the corner for her and her fellow patients.
Bijoux
13-year-old Bijoux arrived at Panzi Hospital in the spring of 2006 with no family or caretaker. She, too, carries a sad story of sexual violence. Far from her former life in Kindu, Bijoux is heartbroken that she can no longer go to school with her friends and longs to return home to be with her family. She struggles to comes to grips with her past, hopes for healing with her next surgery, and takes comfort in her friendship with the older, wiser Helene. The two roommates are like sisters – encouraging each other to be strong and persevere.