Educational Media Reviews Online

This film documents human rights violations against Congolese women, and the work of Dr. Denis Mukwege to advocate on their behalf. Congolese women live in a dual reality of being victimized through beatings and rape, followed by the humiliation they feel being disowned by their husbands, families, and community for having been raped. Dr. Denis Mukwege, a gynecologist, has taken the issue to the United Nations and other human rights advocacy groups, and has founded Panzi, a hospital which primarily provides both medical and psychological treatment for women who have been raped. Beyond the medical treatment, Dr. Mukwege provides opportunities for these women to receive education and job skills training so they can make a living. Congo offers candid interviews with victims who report a sense of isolation, often feeling as though they are less than human. The images and interviews, at times, are disturbing. This film is recommended for libraries with programs in social work, public health, women’s studies, and international studies.