The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has long been plagued by conflict, with its eastern regions experiencing particularly severe violence. This ongoing turmoil has had devastating consequences for all civilians, but women and girls have borne a disproportionate share of the burden.
Escalating Conflict and Displacement
In recent months, the resurgence of armed groups, notably the M23 rebels, has intensified instability in eastern DRC. Cities like Goma have become focal points of conflict, leading to mass displacements. As of early 2025, over 7.3 million people are internally displaced across the country, with a significant portion being women and children. citeturn0search13
Surge in Gender-Based Violence
The conflict has led to a dramatic increase in gender-based violence (GBV). Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported treating over 25,000 survivors of sexual violence in 2023 alone, averaging more than two patients every hour. citeturn0search9 This trend has continued into 2024, with North Kivu province witnessing a particularly sharp rise in cases.
Dire Conditions for Displaced Women
Displaced women often find themselves in precarious situations, residing in overcrowded camps or makeshift shelters without adequate protection. The lack of security exposes them to heightened risks of violence and exploitation. Reports indicate that in some displacement camps, up to 10% of women have experienced sexual violence. citeturn0search22
Socio-Economic Impact
Beyond the immediate physical and psychological trauma, the conflict severely impacts the socio-economic well-being of women. With agricultural activities disrupted, many women lose their primary source of livelihood. The destruction of infrastructure and ongoing insecurity make it challenging to access markets, further exacerbating poverty and food insecurity.
Barriers to Justice and Support
Seeking justice remains an uphill battle for survivors. Systemic barriers within the judicial system, including corruption and lack of resources, hinder the prosecution of perpetrators. Survivors often face stigma and lack adequate support services, making recovery and reintegration into society difficult.
This article draws on reporting and data from multiple credible sources. According to the UNHCR (2025) Democratic Republic of Congo Situation – Operational Update, over 7.3 million people are currently displaced across the DRC, with women and children making up the majority. Médecins Sans Frontières (2023) reported treating over 25,000 survivors of sexual violence in 2023 alone — a number that continues to rise. The humanitarian crisis is vividly illustrated in The Guardian’s April 2025 report, which highlights the appalling conditions faced by displaced women, including women giving birth on the ground without medical assistance.
Additional accounts such as El País (November 2024) provide firsthand testimony of survivors of sexual violence, while AP News (2024) documents the advance of armed groups and the alarming increase in human rights violations, including executions and mass rapes. The structural barriers women face in accessing justice are explored in depth by the Center on International Cooperation at NYU (2024), which examines the challenges in holding perpetrators accountable and supporting survivors.
