by Thomas Pierce

Congolese rebel leader Laurent Nkunda was arrested yesterday in Rwanda. Some of the soldiers under his command have been responsible for the violence against women in The Democratic Republic of the Congo — including rape and mutilation — but it's not just the rebel forces that have perpetrated these acts. The violence is widespread.

This morning, we talked to playwright Eve Ensler and Dr. Denis Mukwege about these crimes against women and girls and what's being done to stop them. You probably know Eve Ensler. She's the author of "The Vagina Monologues" and the creator of V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women. Dr. Mukwege is a gynecologist in Congo who founded the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu — a place where victims can get treatment and counseling. He's been honored by the United Nations for his work.

 

The stories they told were, frankly, difficult to hear. And many of you have already started writing in to ask how you can help.

Dr. Mukwege and Eve Ensler are about to set off on a month-long tour — to raise awareness of this problem in Congo. Their site has more info about the project and how you can get involved.