Sophie tells Congolese rape survivors their voices can inspire change
The countess is on an official visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo – the first by a member of the British royal family.
The Countess of Wessex has told rape survivors she met in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) “your voices are what is going to change things”.
Sophie – the first British royal to travel to the DRC – toured the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, South Kivu province, where pioneering and critical medical treatment is given to women who have endured brutal, conflict-related sexual violence and trauma.
“It is you that inspire me to carry on with the work that I do here, and in other places of conflict around the world,” Sophie said.
She added: “I look forward to keeping in touch with you, the Panzi Hospital, the (Panzi) foundation, and all of its work.
Sophie has publicly committed herself to supporting the UK’s work helping survivors of rape, sexual violence and exploitation in war.
She was shown around the newly-opened operating room on Tuesday, spent time with some of the survivors being cared for at the Panzi and spoke to its team of experts.
She was also pictured wearing disposable blue medical scrubs as she listened intently while being shown around.
Sophie also visited a hair salon classroom during a visit to the Panzi Foundation and learnt about the holistic approaches also being used to help the women.
The countess took part in a textiles workshop and sat at a sewing machine, helping with the fabric creations.
A smiling Sophie put her arms out and hugged Dr Mukwege, who founded the hospital and was honoured for his work helping sexually-abused women.
Sophie said of Dr Mukwege: “Not only is he an inspiration in the DRC, he’s also an inspiration around the world.”
Some 3,500 babies born of sexual violence in conflict are delivered in the hospital each year and Sophie also heard about the vital support given to the mothers.
She is being accompanied by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Prime Minister’s special representative on preventing sexual violence in conflict.
It works to give them valuable new skills and build their confidence, supporting many to take on leadership roles in their communities.
