La force des femmes

by Denis Mukwege

From Nobel laureate, world-renowned doctor, and noted human rights activist Dr. Denis Mukwege comes an inspiring clarion call-to-action to confront the scourge of sexual violence and better learn from women's resilience, strength, and power.

At the heart of Dr. Mukwege’s message will be the voices of the many women he has worked with over the years. Dr. Mukwege will use individual cases to reassure all survivors that, even if their psychological wounds may never fully heal, they can recover and thrive with the right care and support.

Dr. Mukwege’s dramatic personal story is interwoven throughout as he explores the bigger issues that have become a focus of his advocacy. He will seek to explain why sexual violence is so often overlooked during war, and how governments need to recognize and compensate victims. He will also stress the importance of breaking down the taboos surrounding assault, and the necessity of building a system that supports women who come forward.

His words advocate for saying ‘no’ to indifference and he asks readers to reckon with the West’s involvement in perpetuating sexual violence in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, and to confront the abuse taking place in their own communities.

Sexual violence does not occur in a vacuum. The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has raged for over 20 years and has claimed an estimated 5 million lives, is inseparable from Western patriarchy and economic colonization. And this cycle of violence and spoils is not limited to Congo. Dr. Mukwege’s work has led him to South Korea, Latin America, the Middle East, and elsewhere in Africa, where he has found striking similarities in women’s testimonies.

The truth is, through the intricate ties of the global economy, we are all implicated in violence against women – whether it occurs amidst the fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo or on college campuses in the West. And Dr. Mukwege’s writing will address men as well, encouraging and guiding them to become allies in the fight against sexual abuse, in war and in peace.

Building more inclusive, gender-balanced societies will require developing what he calls “positive masculinity” – a systemic change in male behavior and attitudes towards women. Dr. Mukwege hopes to inspire other men to speak out and join the struggle, rather than leaving women to fight the battle alone. He will also make the case, drawing from his experience and a wealth of research on the topic, that when women are involved as economic and political decision makers, all of society benefits.

The Power of Women will illuminate the enduring strength of women in the face of violence and trauma, and give hope for the potential of individuals to turn the tide.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Africa, Health, War, History, Medicine

400 pages

First published November 2, 2021

About the author

Dr Denis Mukwege is a world-renowned gynaecologist and human rights activist from east DRC. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for his global efforts to end the use of rape as a weapon of war. Dr Mukwege founded Panzi Hospital and Foundation, and has become one of the world’s leading specialists on treating survivors of wartime sexual violence.

Reviews

[Shahin Keusch · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all respect to Denis Mukwege for all the work he has done for the women of the Congo. And respect to the women of the Congo and of the world for fighting this long battle against sexual violence and for not giving up. 

I've been wanting to read a book by Denis Mukwege ever since I read the book by Nadia Murad a few years back. They both shared the Nobel Peace Prize. So when I saw that an English book would be released I preordered it immediately. Of course the subject matter of rape and sexual violence is tough to hear, but I believe this book is a must read for everyone. The stories are sad but powerful and hopeful. 

The book then ends with a few chapters where Dr Mukwege uses his experience to give pointers to governments and for us individually on what should or could be done to change the world and end the big problem of rape. 

This book was well worth the wait. Highly recommended to everyone. 

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this in a first reads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

Dr. Mukwege îs a man who I would love to clone. I would also love for there to be no need to clone him. In the book he details his life and his work at Panzi hospital taking care of rape victims. The really remarkable thing about him is that he has had the opportunity to leave and has chosen to stay despite multiple threats on his life and one assassination attempt. My one complaint about the book is that it bounces around and tries to cover to many topics but it isn't serious enough to detract from the five star rating.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you only read one book this year, please let it be this one!
About strong women who, thanks to this brave man and the people he inspires, are able to rebuild their lives, improve them and support others through initiatives such as City of Joy, Mamans Chéries. Hope in the place and especially the moment where you would least expect it. It's extremely fascinating to see the big picture and what role we too can play in this story through our actions and attitudes in everyday life. And hopefully a wake-up call for politicians (as well as all of you).

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

An immensely powerful book that everyone interested in human rights should read. Written by Nobel prize winning doctor and activist, this is a startlingly terrifying yet empowering look at the issues faced by women not just in the authors home country, but the entire world.

Some of the stories told here are difficult to digest, even for those familiar with the concept of rape and gender based violence being used as methods of war and terror. However, this should not deter readers from picking up this book. The author discusses issues around the mindset of how societies treat women, how children are raised to behave in certain ways towards the opposite sex and much more.

I read a lot of feminism based books, and consider myself pretty well informed on many issues concerning women around the world but this book taught me a lot of new things, had me question some of my own personal biases and assumptions and invited me to have a fresh look at the challenges faced by women across Africa - and the world - in a very forthright way. I highly recommend this book.

[Charlotte L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un livre et un homme absolument exceptionnels. Le parcours et l’engagement de Denis Mukwege sont extraordinaires, tellement de force morale et d’humilité ... ses mots devraient être diffusés dans le monde entier. Une des lectures les plus fortes de ma vie.

[Bharathi Arunan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book which will redefine your priorities.

[Evelien Van Eeuwijk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Het boek heeft veel losgemaakt.

Ik kan niet anders dan dit boek 5 sterren geven.
Al is het alleen al om de handelingen en pogingen die deze dokter heeft verricht om het leven voor duizenden vrouwen te herstellen. Ook verdient dit verhaald 5 sterren uit respect voor de moed die deze vrouwen hebben kunnen uitstralen na alles wat ze is overkomen.

Het is een ontzettend treurig en helaas waargebeurd verhaal waar wel een duidelijke boodschap uit voortvloeit.

Ik denk dat het belangrijk is, zoals deze dokter ook al omschreef, dat ook mannen dit boek lezen. Om zo hopelijk seksueel geweld de wereld uit te kunnen krijgen.

[Lucrèce G · Rating 5 out of 5]

À cheval entre l’autobiographie et l’essai, La force des femmes est un puissant manifeste contre les violences sexuelles. Ayant déjà entendu parler du Dr Mukwege comme «l’homme qui répare les femmes », je m’attendais à une lecture difficile. Les sévices infligés aux femmes dans le Congo oriental qu’il décrit sont d’une insoutenable violence. Mais cette lecture est édifiante a bien d’égards. Parce qu’on comprend tout de suite que le but de ce récit n’est pas de choquer mais d’interpeller. La force des femmes, ce n’est pas un condensé d’histoires horribles dans cette zone où le viol collectif est utilisé comme une arme de guerre. C’est aussi un aperçu du très peu médiatisé conflit dans le Congo oriental qui dure depuis plusieurs décennies. Et puis surtout, c’est l’histoire de l’homme derrière le médecin célèbre. Quel homme! On ne peut être qu’admiratif de son parcours, de son courage et de sa détermination. Il rappelle d’ailleurs tristement avoir choisi la gynécologie pour aider les mères à donner la vie. Le conflit au Congo oriental a fait de lui «l’homme qui répare les femmes ». Malgré l’optimisme avec lequel Denis Mukwege conclue le livre, je ne peux m’empêcher de me demander si tout ce qu’il a réussi à mettre en place pour venir en aide aux femmes pourrait lui survivre…

[J.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

All kinds of trigger warnings, as this book deals with the doctor's experience in helping women recover from sexual trauma, especially during war times. My biggest takeaways are 1. when he talked about a mentorship program led by traumatized women who had recovered helping those women who recently experienced trauma and were still having PTSD and in shock. I had no idea the brutality towards women especially during the Rwanda genocide, which is primarily where this doctor worked. 2. The discussion of rape to Jewish women during WW2, and how male historians originally discounted it because there were no records. And 3. The responsibility to teach men not to rape, as well as women how to avoid it. Let's be honest, the book is horrific, but the work this doctor is doing to educate and erase shame is so needed.

[Jennie Seaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hard to read but so important at the same time. It focuses on the reality of rape in wartime. Dr. Mukwege talks about the world as a whole as well as focuses on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Dr. Mukwege is truly an inspiring person and I am glad to have read about his work around the world. His advocacy for the women in Congo is amazing. I feel like everyone needs to learn more about everything that is going on around the world. There is so much glossing over what really happened in the history books. I am determined to learn more about the issues brought up in this book.

*eARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indrukwekkend en om stil van te worden. Een must-read! Tonnen respect voor dr. Denis Mukwege en alle vrouwen die hij vertegenwoordigt: overlevers van seksueel geweld.
Het boek blijft overigens niet hangen in anekdotes, maar schetst ook een bredere politieke, culturele, internationale, maatschappelijke context. Erg interessant om te lezen.

[jrendocrine at least reading is good · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful book by an unusual man - a doctor, gynecologist and crusader for women's rights, in particular the right to not be raped and abused, in war and family life. Denis Mukwege has rightfully rec'd the Nobel for his absolute bravery and commitment. He remains in the Congo, that huge war-ridden land, where women's lives are cheap, and childbirth is fraught with danger.

But he reminds us that this is more true than it's not true across the entire world, including the USA. Many examples, so much knowledge about the situation of women. Here I quote:

"In 2019, when the German government put forward another resolution ...about rape in conflict zones, the Trump administration threatened to veto it if it included any reference to the importance of rape victims having access to sexual and reproductive health services - on the grounds that this implied access to abortions."

Shame!

Dr. Mukwege also notes that countries led by women (the German chancellor in 2019, obviously Angela Merkel), peace processes including women, companies led by women - are (more) successful because women are interested in the welfare of people around them - not just themselves.

We seem to be going backward as our species, in the Anthropocene, drops like a stone into the hot sea. Still, Dr Mukwege believes in the power of women. So should we all.

[Hanna (musteen.jaljet) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vavahduttava teos Kongon mutta myös koko maailman naisten asemasta. Mukwegen kaltaisia ihmisiä ja ennen kaikkia miehiä saisi olla tässä maailmassa enemmän, sillä tätä taistelua naiset eivät voita yksin.

Kirjassa on hyvinkin raakaa graafista kuvailua väkivallasta naisia kohtaan, joten kirja ei varmasti sovi herkimmille. Onkin järkyttävää miten muka sivistyneet länsimaat ovat täysin sivuuttaneet Kongon humanitaarisen katastrofin. Kauniita sanoja annetaan mutta mitään ei tapahdu. Vaikka ongelmat näkyvät räväkästi Kongossa, niin länsimaat eivät voi nostaa sulkaa hattuunsa, sillä myös täällä raiskaukset, naisten seksuaalinen ahdistelu ja sivuuttaminen on arkipäivää. Mukwege totesi osuvasti, että länsimaat osaavat vain piilottaa asiat paremmin. Kirjassa osoitetaan hyvin länsimaidenkin epäkohdat ja kaksoisstandardit naisten suhteen. Etenkin USA:n suhteen.

Tää kirja sai aikaan raivoa sekä epätoivon kyyneliä, sillä maailma tuntuu niin toivottoman. Mukwegen työlle ja vakaamukselle täytyy nostaa hattua, sillä se mitä hän tekee vaatii sitkeyttä ja lujaa tahtoa. Mukwege kertoo ongelmista mutta samalla kertoo mahdollisia työkaluja, joilla tilanne saataisiin korjattua.

Toivoisinkin, että jokainen, varsinkin mahdollisimman moni mies lukisi tän kirjan, sillä se kertoo kaunistelematta naisten todellisuudesta. Tasa-arvo ei ole edelleenkään valmis!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book as an ARC in a Goodreads giveaway at the end of last year. I will still give my honest opinion/review of this book.

Honestly, I have picked this book up and tried to start it many times. I am so glad that I finally decided to read it!! Dr. Denis Mukwege has done so much for so many women. I learned so much that I didn’t know about the Congo and surrounding areas, as well as sexual violence towards women in these areas. I would suggest you read this book so that you can be more informed as a human being on what is going on in the world.

Thank you so much to Flatiron Books for the copy!!

[Dominique Gamache · Rating 5 out of 5]

La chronique de la vie d'un chirurgien engagé qui répare les femmes victimes de violences sexuelles au Congo. Une réflexion sur le caractère systématique de ces violences et leur monstruosité. En passant, un tableau de l'histoire politique chaotique du Congo en proie aux violences sans fin des bandes armées et à l'absence d'état de droit

[Marlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for everyone. Sheds a bright light on the decades long horrors of what's going on in the Congo (and how, due to our reliance on lithium for rechargeable batteries, we are all partaking in its system) and the injustices against women (mainly in the Congo). The book also summarizes the general history of the Congo, and speaks to sexism+sexual inequality around the globe.

Honestly think this is one of, if not the, greatest man in the world. The work he's done for abused women is just incredible. He's well deserving of his Nobel Peace Price.

[ReadWithAlice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5
Même si on peut trouver des choses à redire sur ce livre et le style d’écriture, on ne peut de toute façon rien mettre d’autre que 5/5 pour encourager les actions entreprises par cet homme courageux et les personnes qui l’entourent. Un récit difficile mais nécessaire !

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful read by one of the most inspiring activists on women’s rights and ending sexual violence. In his book, Dr. Mukwege speaks about his journey to becoming a doctor, from first being inspired to work on maternal health to becoming a specialist at treating wounds resulting from sexual violence and a campaigner for women’s rights.

Through stories of survivors he treated and who inspired him to continue despite threats and assassination attempts, the book details what happened and is still happening in Congo, Iraq, the former Yugoslavia, during WWII and in Western democracies today… The book touches upon linkages between sexual violence and a range of other issues, including recruitment of child soldiers, patriarchal gender roles, violence against children, war and insecurity, a culture of silence, and more: e.g. chapter 5, “In His Words”, tells - without excusing it in any way - the story of a former child soldier he met, who had violated countless women.
It is a book that shocks, but even more so it inspires. It highlights the importance of justice, accountability and public recognition of survivors of sexual violence, as well as sex education, teaching boys to be respectful, and positive masculinity. My only point of criticism would be that I would have appreciated for the book to speak more about sexual violence against LGBTQIA+ persons as well, which is only touched upon here and there.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone, because we all have the chance and a responsibility to drive change. The book is a powerful call to politicians, community and religious leaders, journalists, historians, teachers and professors, police and security forces, the UN and international community, and to every single man on earth to finally do better.

[Tessa Kiviniemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

kaikkie pitäs lukee tää

[Perrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

J'ai adoré, ça a exposé différents points de vues sur les violences sexuelles faites aux femmes ! Je recommande, même si c'est une lecture de chevets parfois difficile, et qui m'a procuré beaucoup de colère.

[Leah M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was by no means an easy read. It's brutal, emotional, and raw. But this is the reality that so many women live with, and it needs to be shared. Living in America, I was aware of the genocide in Rwanda, and fighting in Congo. But I had no idea what the fighting in Congo was actually about, and how many people it truly affected.

It may seem weird to read a book about feminism during Women's History Month that was written by a man. Specifically a man who lives in an area of the world where women are especially disenfranchised. However, the author sums it up beautifully when he said:

"I defend women because they are my equals-because women's rights are human rights, and I am outraged by the violence inflicted on my fellow humans. We must fight for women collectively. My role has always been to amplify the voices of others whose marginalization denies them opportunities to tell their stories. I stand at their side, never in front."

In a part of the world where women don't have the same voice that they do in the Western world, this brave man gives them the opportunity to share their stories, sometimes through him, sometimes on their own. He's not only an advocate, he's a full-time doctor, who started out as an OBGYN, but has since become a specialist in treating rape injuries. This came about by necessity - he lives in an area of the world that is affected by a rape crisis.

Mukwege delves into the causes of the conflict in Rwanda and how it spilled over into Congo, and why certain areas are targeted, as well as how rape is systematically used as a tool of war. I had no idea about the mechanisms behind the war, and even learned more about the motivations behind rape in this area of the world - it isn't just about power or control, but more about ethnic cleansing and accessing resources that are immensely valuable. However, Mukwege works tirelessly to treat women who have been affected by rape and changes their lives - not only by operating and repairing their injuries, but also by offering psychological and emotional supports, and providing a safe place for them to live and learn vocational skills that will allow them to earn a living and become independent. This is especially important because of the cultural views surrounding rape in this area of the world.

In addition, Mukwege discusses his advocacy efforts. He speaks publicly around the world, working to create change on a larger level than he can at his hospital. Not only soliciting financial support, he's been able to make some changes in the area of having rape viewed as a war crime, increasing awareness of what is occurring in Congo and surrounding areas, and getting more agencies involved in improving the situation. It was incredible to see what one single person can accomplish. And this clearly isn't easy: he talks about the risk to himself and his family, and the price he's had to pay to achieve what he has.

Overall, this was such a difficult read, but so worthwhile.

[Eva Ledru · Rating 5 out of 5]

ce monsieur est absolument extraordinaire, le livre est hyper bien documenté et abordent énormément de sujet très très grave :( les femmes vous êtes vraiment les plus fortes

[Samia Alami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un livre important, touchant, révoltant.

Je le conseille à ceux qui veulent mieux comprendre la situation actuelle en RDC et plus généralement à ceux qui s’intéressent aux violences faites aux femmes.

[Marion S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un livre bouleversant ! À lire !

[Cristian Cristea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that all men should read. Then we should all reevaluate our culture and understand what kind of world we have created.

The power of this man, who should be UN secretary general by now several times over, is drawn out of the power of women who endure the unspeakable.

He is evidence that humanity can grow, there is still hope.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for everyone.

[une lectrice quelque part · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ce livre était juste INCROYABLE

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quelle découverte, quelle claque !
J'ignorais tout du docteur Mukwege avant d'ouvrir ce livre, et j'ai découvert un homme exceptionnel, un médecin, chirurgien et militant féministe qui a sauvé la vie de milliers de femmes, et ce faisant risqué la sienne.

En RRC (Rep Dem du Congo), où la guerre civile fait rage depuis les années 60 (le site d'Amnesty International résume ainsi la situation : "La mauvaise gouvernance, la mauvaise gestion de la construction d’une nation et d’un État post-colonial, les conflits liés à la terre et aux ressources naturelles font partie des facteurs à l’origine de la crise. S’ajoutent à cela de profondes divisions entre groupes ethniques, qui sont en grande partie le produit de l’histoire coloniale du pays et de doléances historiques résultant de près de cinq décennies de troubles quasi ininterrompus."), les femmes sont parmi les premières victimes de crimes de guerre, viols et violences sexuelles. Leur sort n'intéresse personne, ni les politiques nationaux, ni l'opinion internationale.

Le docteur Mukwege, dans ce livre, ne raconte pas seulement son parcours personnel, mais fournit également une analyse très fine des raisons de la violence sexiste et misogyne, en RDC mais aussi dans le reste du monde. Il évoque Metoo, Harvey Weinstein, l'impunité, la domination masculine, le boys club, le patriarcat... et la colonisation, la guerre civile et les milices qui se disputent les ressources du sol, disputé et mal exploité par des exploitants véreux qui réduisent les populations, enfants inclus, à la misère pour fournir l'occident en métaux rares pour leurs ordinateurs et leurs voitures électriques. Tout ce qu'il affirme s'appuie sur des données chiffrées et sourcées.

Cet ouvrage m'a fait frissonner d'épouvante et d'émotion. J'ai découvert la situation de nos sœurs en RDC, et probablement dans de nombreux pays d'Afrique, et ce qui a été mis en oeuvre pour mettre fin à ces violences insoutenables... en dépit de la résistance du gouvernement, qui le menace de mort et a même tenté de le faire assassiner. J'ai envie de donner tout mon argent à son hôpital, si important, si crucial, dans cette partie mutilée de l'Afrique.

Un chef-d'oeuvre, un ouvrage indispensable à lire et faire lire.
Parlez-en autour de vous.

[Leena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jos luet tätä puhelimella, olet osaltasi kytköksissä Kongon äärimmäisen väkivaltaisiin, järjestelmällisiin raiskauksiin, jotka kohdistuvat jopa pikkulapsiin. Näin sanoo Denis Mukwege, joka on kongolainen gynekologi, kirurgi, aktivisti ja feministi.

Kongo on Länsi-Euroopan kokoinen maa, yksi maailman köyhimmistä. Infrastruktuuria ei juuri ole. Kuitenkin Kongossa on erittäin hedelmällinen maaperä ja valtaisat luonnonvarat: kultaa, kuparia, mangaania, kobolttia. Kaikkea mitä esim. kännykät tarvitsevat. Kansa elää köyhyydessä ja rikkaudet ovat vuosisatoja menneet ulkomaille tai omille läpimädille johtajille.

Kongossa on sodittu kauan ja erilaiset rikollis/sotajoukkiot puolustavat nimellisesti kansaa, käytännössä rikkauksien ryöstelyä. Raiskaukset ovat keino hajottaa yhteisöjä ja yksi sotimisen muoto. Olikohan se niin, että Kongossa raiskataan 50 naista joka tunti. Viranomaisia asia ei kiinnosta millään tavalla. Tyypillisesti raiskattu nainen joutuu joko läheisten hylkäämäksi tai tyttöjen kohdalla ainoa tapa välttää häpeä on mennä raiskaajan kanssa naimisiin. Se, miten tätä kirjaa pystyy lukemaan, perustuu siihen, että onneksi Mukwege välttää pahimpien yksityiskohtien kertomista. Silti raivo, kuvotus, suru ym. tunteet heittelehtivät lukijan mielessä.

Kirjassa käydään hieman myös muissa maissa ja Mukwege kertoo myös toivoa herättävistä hankkeista. Hän kertoo lukuisia tapoja kohentaa naisten asemaa ja perustelee hyvin kaikki näkemyksensä. Hän todellakin uskoo naisiin! Kirja nousee raiskausteeman yläpuolelle ja on oiva feministinen manifesti, tosin melkoisen rankka.

Denis Mukwege on saanut Nobelin rauhanpalkinnon ja lukuisia muita palkintoja (vaikka Kongon valtio onkin välillä ryövännyt hänen palkintorahansa). Tätä kirjaa ei pysty unohtamaan, onneksi se ei sentään vienyt yöunia. Kuuntelin äänikirjana, lukijana erinomainen Juhani Rajalin.

[Andrea Bauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful read showing the devastating impacts of war and its associated sexual violence on women but the resiliency of women as well. The writing is purposefully simple and straightforward. I strongly recommend it for anyone interested in the issue of sexual violence or the recent history of Central Africa, which includes the author’s home of Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring Rwanda and Burundi. The book is recent as of this writing, published in 2021.

Dr. Mukwege has very thoughtful chapters based on his decades of experience, both medically but especially as an advocate, about what could be done to lessen or eradicate the war on women. My only wish is that, given the depth and breadth of the problem, he had reached more radical conclusions.