politics
Women Join Pro-Government Forces to Combat Sexual Violence in Eastern DRC

Women Join Pro-Government Forces to Combat Sexual Violence in Eastern DRC

26 Eylül 2026Al Jazeera
  • In eastern DRC, women are enlisting with pro-government fighters to protect themselves from rampant sexual violence amid ongoing conflict.
  • In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), escalating war and rampant sexual violence have prompted women to take up arms alongside pro-government Wazalendo fighters. This shift marks a significant change in the role of women in conflict, as they seek to protect themselves and their communities from ongoing…
  • The involvement of women in armed groups highlights the dire circumstances they face and their determination to reclaim agency in a violent environment.
  • Eastern DRC has long been a hotspot for conflict, with various armed groups vying for control, leading to widespread human rights abuses, particularly against women. The rise in sexual violence has been a particularly devastating aspect of this conflict, prompting many women to seek alternative means of protection.
  • The decision of women to join armed groups in eastern DRC underscores a profound response to systemic violence and insecurity. By taking up arms, these women are not only challenging traditional gender roles but also signaling a desperate need for security in a region plagued by chaos.
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This article reflects the situation as reported and may not encompass all perspectives or developments in the ongoing conflict.