Stop Raping Me: Congo Sex Violence

Stop Raping Me: Congo Sex Violence

By Kyra O. Davenport

The begging question I ask myself is what can I do? I picture myself  sitting next to a Congolese woman adorned in her tribal clothing sipping  a cool drink like we are old girlfriends, she is opening up to me. She has been raped. She has accepted her experience and locked away the shame. I need to open that door. Come in. Let the world in. I belong in Africa. I am a woman, a journalist, I can make a difference. I’ve been stirred up. The recent headline in New York Times reads “Mass Rapes in Congo Reveals U.N. weakness”. The lead is mortifying. Luvungi, Democratic Republic of Congo-Four armed men barged into Anna Mburano’s hut slapped the children and threw them down. They flipped Mrs. Mburano on her back and raped her, repeatedly. REPEADTELY! Rape has become a way of life, the culture.

This about more than stabilization of a nation, it’s about eradication of a culture putting women to shame, stripping them of their being. Deconstruction and reconstruction has to happen. The soldiers are predators. Rebels and soldiers are undoubtedly mute to women’s rights. Women are only vessels of domination and sick pleasure for these men; criminals. A battle is taking place, a struggle for self-worth and dignity, a chance just to be a woman, a human being. I feel the screams of these women. Souls are being damaged. Congolese women are being carried as a worst than subhuman. There are organizations that are joining the fight to save the virtue of Congolese women, now it is my turn, to write, expose the horror, I am going to Africa.

BEAUTIFUL ONE BY KYRA O. DAVENPORT FOR THE ARTIST WE KNOW AS PRINCE

My dad introduced me to you when I was a little girl. I was honored to be in the presence of you art, your life’s work, and your music. What resonated with me since the first time I heard your music is that you understood women you appreciated them, you were in tune with our essence. That made me fall in love with myself and my own sexuality; I began to appreciate my femininity. You peak my curiosity through songs such as “Controversy” and “Pop Life”, your depth and understanding of God and the world would have my mind open for hours. Prince you opened my soul to the world and my individuality. To say you were influential would be an understatement. You moved me. Rare poetry. Daring lyrics. Sexual appreciation.Eroticism.Spirtituality.Provocation. What a unique soul Prince! You are the definition of individualism. I want to know you and experience you over and over through your music, perspective, and experiences. Thank you for your rare art form and depth of soul. When I hear your music I become free of inhibition and my naturally ability to express myself takes over. You inspire me. Prince, you inspire me.