"Women at Risk”: Assessing Physical Assault and Rape in Goma, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Despite the presence and responsibility of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, hope remains elusive for women facing physical attacks and sexual violence in Goma. This study explores women’s vulnerability to such violence using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, focus groups, observation, and document review. Among 276 survey respondents and 23 key informants, findings show a sharp increase in physical attacks and rape since MONUSCO’s arrival. In Masisi Kirotshe, reported rapes surged from a yearly average of 10–44 before MONUSCO to 14,014 cases between 2020 and 2021. Similarly, Masisi Centre health zone saw 7,000 rape cases in 2020–2021, compared to just 7–35 instances annually before. Analysis indicates women are disproportionately affected: they are nearly three times more likely than men to face unprotected situations leading to attacks (OR=2.945, p<.0001), and over six times more likely to be raped (OR=6.522, p<.0001). Contributing factors include single or abandoned marital status, gender-based differences, and work in remote, unsafe areas. The study concludes that women and girls remain at heightened risk of violence, despite international protection efforts.

Keywords

MUNUSCO, women vulnerability, physical attacks, rape, Goma, DRC

Author Biography

Dr. Adventina Kahinga Laurent is a distinguished researcher and consultant at the Tanzania Regional Immigration Training Academy (TRITA) in Moshi, Tanzania. Her scholarly interests and publications focus on issues related to refugees and national security, gender studies, and the agricultural value supply chain. Dr. Laurent holds a PhD in International Relations with a specialization in Refugee Studies from the University of Dodoma. She also earned an MBA in Supply Chain Management from Coventry University in the UK and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (with a focus on Public Relations) from the University of Iringa in Tanzania. Additionally, she holds a Diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Centre for Foreign Relations (CFR) in Tanzania.

Dr. Faustine Mulokozi Kashumba is a lecturer in Development Studies at the Institute of Development Studies, University of Dodoma, Tanzania. His research interests and publications focus on agricultural transformation, gender, livelihood promotion, and rural development.

Dr. Joseph Kahimba is a distinguished lecturer in Development Studies at the Institute of Development Studies, University of Dodoma, Tanzania. He earned his Doctorate from the University of Dar es Salaam, where he also completed his earlier academic training, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Education (BA ED) and a Master of Arts in Development Studies. Dr. Kahimba is an accomplished researcher with published journal articles focusing on the governance of water resources, education policy, and social welfare for the elderly.