The 'brave' female peace activists in DR Congo
Courageous women affected by the conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo are joining forces to speak up for peace.
As East African politicians attempt to get the Democratic Republic of Congo and armed groups operating in the east of the country together to talk peace Newsday has been looking at a group of women who are actively advocating for peace in these dangerous times.
Terrorised for years by the escalating conflict, female activists from the Congolese organisation for women's rights called PACOFETI have arranged ceasefires, worked to protect victims of sexual violence and pushed for an end to impunity for those belligerents who commit war crimes.
Photographer Hugh Kinsella Cunningham has spent months documenting the work of displaced women like Liberata Buratwa and other peace activists for National Geographic Magazine. He told Newsday the women are taking a big personal risk advocating peace in a patriarchal society.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a really brave act. Seeing women interact with a general 鈥r walking over the front lines to bring [militia leaders] to the peace table.鈥�
(Pic: The peace activist women of the Democratic Republic of Congo: Credit: Hugh Kinsella Cunningham)
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