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Dear John,
I was born in a war season and grew up in a war season. My story is one shared by millions in my home country of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where years of conflict and recent intensified fighting have forced countless people into overcrowded displacement camps.
In Eastern DRC, where I live and work, survival is an everyday struggle—not just against war, but now against a devastating mpox outbreak. As someone who grew up amidst conflict, I understand the resilience it takes to endure. But even while facing a dangerous disease, women cannot wait for reproductive health care.
For women and girls in displacement camps, access to contraception, emergency contraception, abortion, and care for sexual violence is critical and lifesaving. That’s why Ipas DRC has set up mobile health clinics in some camps to deliver essential reproductive health services where they’re needed most.
My motivation for doing this work is simple: When I see a woman suffering, I see myself suffering.
I invite you to have a glimpse into my daily life doing this important work. I’ll be sharing three short videos with you this month, starting today with Part 1. I really enjoyed making these videos to show the world the joy and beauty of where I live—and the resilience of Congolese people in the face of many hardships.
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