A first for the University of Kinshasa! This Monday, May 2, 2022, "the repairer of women", "the 2018 Nobel Prize", THE Professor Dr. Denis Mukwege, held a conference under the theme: "Rape as a weapon of war" in the large promotion room of Unikin.

A warm welcome was extended to this distinguished guest: Professor Denis Mukwege took part in the procession that led him from the NODASA Parish to the Unikin administrative building. He was preceded by female police officers from the university guard, accompanied by the Unikin Rector and its Management Committee, followed by the Unikin Women Professors.

Open to the public, this conference saw the participation of some of our country's leading figures: the President of the Senate, the Minister of Human Rights, Professor Dr Muyembe, etc.

In his opening remarks, the Rector of Unikin, the Professor Jean-Marie Kayembe Ntumba, was very pleased with the presence of the " Nobel Prize 2018 » indicating that the « gender » remains one of the concerns of its Management Committee. Other speeches followed, such as that of Dr. Mamie Mbelu, President of the Gender structure of Unikin, who made a plea for women; that of the Secretary General for Research, the Professor Antoine Tshimpi, who attempted to make a brief presentation of the speaker of the day, so richly vast is the biography; that of the Professor Dr. Berthe Zinga, President of the Association of Women Professors of the DRC, delighted with the honor given on this occasion to the Woman Professor.

A national pride, a globally recognized merit, the Professor Denis Mukwege gave a well-developed presentation on the concept of “rape” in the DRC:

• Rape, as a weapon of war, constitutes a technique of ethnic cleansing, a true war strategy. It is methodical and collective (torture and sexual slavery), is carried out in public (resulting in direct and indirect victims), it is systematic (victims of all ages),…
• The following consequences may follow: massive displacement of populations, demographic reduction (destruction of women's genitals, HIV, STIs), destruction of economic capacity (looting of natural resources), destruction of the social fabric (loss of identity).
• Holistic care follows: medical, psychological, socio-economic and legal.
• Training and reintegration programs are organized.

In his conclusion, " the women's repairer " said that the cycle of violence and impunity must be broken and the rule of law restored;no reconciliation without justice "There is a need to advocate for the adoption of a holistic national transitional justice strategy in the DRC.

This conference took place under the moderation of Professors Al Kitenge and Nadège Gombe.

The Luc Gillon Choir of the NODASA Parish provided musical interludes. The day's guest was even presented with a portrait.

The ceremony ended with family photos and a cocktail prepared for the occasion.

                                                                                                                                                         Rectorate Press.