Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo – A growing crisis of sexual violence against girls and young women in the Democratic Republic of Congo has prompted the establishment of support centers like the Toyokana Center in the capital city, offering both medical treatment and a vital space for survivors to be heard.
The Toyokana Center, whose name in Lingala means “Let’s listen to one another,” was born from a 2022 forum where 100 girls and young women from across the DRC and neighboring African nations identified the urgent necessitate for safe spaces to address the trauma of sexual assault. “Creating this kind of a safe space was really the main demand from these girls,” explained Loa Falone, a social worker at the center.
The demand stems from a pervasive culture of silence, particularly when the violence occurs within families. “A girl who was raped by her father won’t understand in whom she can confide, whether her mom or someone else, she just won’t know if she can feel safe to do that,” Falone said. “There was really a strong desire to have a safe space where these girls will be heard, protected and taken care of.”
UNICEF data underscores the severity of the problem. Ramatou Toure, chief of child protection at UNICEF DRC, stated that sexual violence against children has been on the rise for the past four years. Even as official figures recorded over 45,000 cases in the past year, Toure acknowledged the true number is likely far higher due to underreporting. Many survivors lack trusted adults to confide in, hindering access to crucial services.
The crisis is fueled by ongoing conflict, particularly in eastern DRC, where fighting has displaced approximately 7 million people, creating conditions where sexual violence is rampant. However, Toure emphasized that the problem extends beyond conflict zones. “But even in provinces where there is no conflict, we find sexual violence,” she said, citing urban poverty and child marriage as contributing factors.
The Toyokana Center is highlighted in a recent UNICEF report as a positive initiative by the government to address the issue. The center provides medical attention for physical trauma and psychological support to combat the severe depression, post-traumatic stress, and anxiety often experienced by survivors. Therapists like Annie Kikoli in Goma emphasize the importance of intervention to prevent self-blame and isolation. “A child who’s been raped…starts to have a negative image of herself,” Kikoli explained. “The more the person stays isolated, the more they start developing abnormal behavior.”
Staff at Toyokana employ sensitive approaches to encourage girls to share their experiences, particularly those who are initially withdrawn. Supervisor Georgette Uma described how staff discreetly approach girls who appear distressed during group sessions, offering a private space to open up. The center also provides informal educational support, as exemplified by one survivor who learned to read and write while receiving care and has since become a role model for others.
Since its inception, Toyokana’s two centers in Kinshasa have served over 100,000 girls affected by sexual violence. However, Uma stressed the need for expanded support nationwide, particularly in conflict areas. That expansion is threatened by recent cuts in foreign assistance. UNICEF’s Toure reported that funding for clinics like Toyokana was effectively halved, dropping from $18 million in 2024 to $10 million in 2025. “We have seen a lot of the local programs for sexual violence being disrupted or completely stopped in terms of funding,” she said.
Toure emphasized that increased funding and a lasting peace in eastern DRC, coupled with a stronger criminal justice system to hold perpetrators accountable, are crucial steps toward protecting children. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic. “It’s not a hopeless case, on the contrary.”
