Furaha is from Mwenga in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. She is a mother of three and trained as a nurse, having completed her primary education locally before studying nursing and working in maternal health.
For many years, Furaha assisted women during pregnancy and childbirth. Through this work, she gained deep insight into the everyday realities faced by women in rural communities — from early childhood expectations and exclusion from education to the heavy burden of domestic labour placed on girls and women.
She lived through prolonged armed conflict in eastern Congo, marked by displacement, insecurity, and widespread violence against civilians. In her testimony, Furaha describes how war intensified existing inequalities, leaving women and children particularly exposed. She speaks about forced silence around domestic violence, sexual violence used as a weapon of war, and the absence of protection during periods of active fighting. Eventually, the conflict made it impossible for her to remain in her home area.
Speaking as both a health worker and a mother, Furaha gives this testimony to bear witness to the suffering she has seen and heard in health centres, and to amplify the voices of women whose experiences often remain hidden. She calls for peace in Congo, especially for the sake of women and children, and for international solidarity to help bring the violence to an end.
NB. Jump cuts are the result of live translation.
For many years, Furaha assisted women during pregnancy and childbirth. Through this work, she gained deep insight into the everyday realities faced by women in rural communities — from early childhood expectations and exclusion from education to the heavy burden of domestic labour placed on girls and women.
She lived through prolonged armed conflict in eastern Congo, marked by displacement, insecurity, and widespread violence against civilians. In her testimony, Furaha describes how war intensified existing inequalities, leaving women and children particularly exposed. She speaks about forced silence around domestic violence, sexual violence used as a weapon of war, and the absence of protection during periods of active fighting. Eventually, the conflict made it impossible for her to remain in her home area.
Speaking as both a health worker and a mother, Furaha gives this testimony to bear witness to the suffering she has seen and heard in health centres, and to amplify the voices of women whose experiences often remain hidden. She calls for peace in Congo, especially for the sake of women and children, and for international solidarity to help bring the violence to an end.
NB. Jump cuts are the result of live translation.