Congolese culture has turned into a society of rape

The Women’s Studies department aired an HBO documentary and provided an Educate and Activate lecture Tuesday that shed light on the serious rape situation in Congo.

In 2008, about 200,000 Congolese women were raped, leaving many of them fearful, physically scarred and alone. The Women’s Studies department wants to make those women's voices heard by educating students about what they can do to help.

Dr. Zermarie Deacon, professor in Human Relations, discussed the evolution of Congo and described the events that transcribed the negative cultural cycle that is present in Congo in her Educate and Activate lecture.

“The Congo is the most dangerous place to be a woman in the entire world,” said Deacon. “Efforts to protect women and girls are failing spectacularly,” she said.

Deacon urged those present to demand increased protection for these women by writing to political leaders and raising awareness.

Students who wish to take part in this action can sponsor Congolese women through donations and purchases of handmade Congolese items, and by looking online at Run for Congo Women’s Web site for future sponsored events.