Sexual violence against women is extremely common in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is due to a weakened legal system which means perpetrators can act without impunity. 'Eve' was raped repeatedly by her father, yet when she attempted to bring him to justice, despite an overwhelming case against him, he evaded a conviction. In addition to this, she was ostracised by her family.

She found legal representation from the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and was so inspired by their work that she dreamed of becoming a lawyer in order to help other girls like herself.

Her story was reported by Ruth Mclean who is the West African correspondent for the guardian (link to the article below). I contacted her directly, and she put me in touch with the country director for the ABA Rule of Law Initiative in the Congo (link below). We can't undo what has been done to Eve but we can change the course of her life by providing her with a safe place to live and covering living and study expenses including books and tuition fees.

By helping 'Eve' in this way, we will be also helping all the girls that she will go on to represent and continuing the fight against violence towards women in the DRC.

If you need any additional information, please contact me. I have provided links to the guardian article and the website for the American Bar Association in the Congo. As the article indicates, 'Eve's' real name has been changed to protect her identity.

The money we raise will go to support 'Eve'. If we raise any additional funds, this will either go toward other scholarships or legal aid for other rape victims.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/dec/09/rape-survivor-finds-justice-elusive-democratic-republic-congo

http://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/rule_of_law/where_we_work/africa/democratic_republic_congo/programs.html

Yours Gratefully
Tania Pawade