The current turmoil in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is arguably the greatest example of the unintended consequences of human greed and cruelty. The DRC had every potential to flourish, with enormous mineral reserves, a lush, tropical climate, and access to trade routes through the coast and the Congo River. The legacy of European colonialism in the country lead to disaster, however, and the Congo’s untapped potential remains untapped, as the country remains unstable, destitute, and dangerous. The greatest victims of the DRC’s turmoil are its citizens, many of whom are refugees, fleeing violence and instability. According to the Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children, about four out of five of Eastern Congo refugees are women,
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With rape this frequent, sexually transmitted diseases only spread faster- according to the United Nations AIDS Commission, there are about 450,000 people living with HIV in the DRC. Of those, 230,000 are women 15 years old and up, and 59,000 are children(HIV and AIDS Estimates 2014). Additionally, the rate of unmet family planning need in the DRC is incredibly high, at 44-67%(Mathur), and the rate of contraceptive use by unmarried women in the country is only 18%, despite a fertility rate of 6.6%(Where We Work). Moreover, the DRC is home to about 11% of Africa’s malaria deaths(Malaria in the Democratic Republic of the Congo), and the disease presents a great danger to pregnant women. Pregnant women have a lower resistance to malaria, and it can cause serious complications to the fetus, from deformities to even death. Despite the health issues that plague the DRC’s women, healthcare can be difficult to come by- the lack of effective governance has left the country’s infrastructure in disrepair, making the journey for medical care an incredibly dangerous one. These issues can be traced back to the DRC’s legacy of colonialism, as European explorers and businessmen effectively robbed the Congo of its natural resources, national identity, and bright …show more content…
One of the main problems that the government must address to aid the women’s health issue is the country’s poor infrastructure. Due to poor infrastructure, the trip to a medical center can be an incredibly dangerous one for most women- especially pregnant women. Currently, out of 153, 497 km of roads in the DRC, only 2,794 km are paved(Sprintz notes). By improving infrastructure, medical care could easily become more accessible to a much greater number of women. Culturally, the issue may take longer to address, as rape and gender-based violence has a long legacy in the Congo. However, as Congolese women learn about family planning, they begin to adapt it to their own culture. Studies by the International Rescue Committee have shown that women want family planning, and use it effectively when it is provided to them(Three Myths). Ultimately, when women are empowered, they will be able to advocate for themselves, creating a voice for their healthcare
With rape this frequent, sexually transmitted diseases only spread faster- according to the United Nations AIDS Commission, there are about 450,000 people living with HIV in the DRC. Of those, 230,000 are women 15 years old and up, and 59,000 are children(HIV and AIDS Estimates 2014). Additionally, the rate of unmet family planning need in the DRC is incredibly high, at 44-67%(Mathur), and the rate of contraceptive use by unmarried women in the country is only 18%, despite a fertility rate of 6.6%(Where We Work). Moreover, the DRC is home to about 11% of Africa’s malaria deaths(Malaria in the Democratic Republic of the Congo), and the disease presents a great danger to pregnant women. Pregnant women have a lower resistance to malaria, and it can cause serious complications to the fetus, from deformities to even death. Despite the health issues that plague the DRC’s women, healthcare can be difficult to come by- the lack of effective governance has left the country’s infrastructure in disrepair, making the journey for medical care an incredibly dangerous one. These issues can be traced back to the DRC’s legacy of colonialism, as European explorers and businessmen effectively robbed the Congo of its natural resources, national identity, and bright …show more content…
One of the main problems that the government must address to aid the women’s health issue is the country’s poor infrastructure. Due to poor infrastructure, the trip to a medical center can be an incredibly dangerous one for most women- especially pregnant women. Currently, out of 153, 497 km of roads in the DRC, only 2,794 km are paved(Sprintz notes). By improving infrastructure, medical care could easily become more accessible to a much greater number of women. Culturally, the issue may take longer to address, as rape and gender-based violence has a long legacy in the Congo. However, as Congolese women learn about family planning, they begin to adapt it to their own culture. Studies by the International Rescue Committee have shown that women want family planning, and use it effectively when it is provided to them(Three Myths). Ultimately, when women are empowered, they will be able to advocate for themselves, creating a voice for their healthcare