Humanitarian Crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Devastating Impact on Women and Children

By Namatama Sakabilo Edited by Monica Brown

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to face one of the most prolonged and devastating conflicts in Africa, leading to mass displacement, loss of lives, and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Women and children, who make up the majority of the affected population, bear the brunt of this ongoing violence, suffering from displacement, Gender Based Violence, limited access to essential services, and severe psychological trauma.

Mass Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis

One of the most immediate consequences of the conflict is the mass displacement of civilians. Women and children make up the majority of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees fleeing the violence. According to humanitarian reports, thousands are forced to abandon their homes, leaving behind livelihoods, communities, and any sense of security. The displacement camps, often overcrowded and lacking basic necessities, expose women and children to further risks, including exploitation, hunger, malnutrition, disease outbreaks and inadequate shelter. With limited access to livelihoods and education, the cycle of poverty and instability continues to worsen, leaving future generations at risk.

Gender Based Violence and Exploitation

Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) remains rampant in conflict-affected areas of the DRC, where armed groups use rape and other forms of violence as weapons of war. Women and girls in displacement camps often experience sexual exploitation, trafficking, and forced marriages due to their lack of protection. Many survivors face stigma, lack access to justice, and receive little to no psychosocial support, further deepening their suffering.

Health and Psychological Trauma

The healthcare system in conflict-affected areas has been severely weakened, making it difficult for women and children to access essential medical services. Pregnant women face challenges in receiving maternal healthcare, increasing the risks of complications and maternal mortality. Children suffering from malnutrition, injuries, or diseases such as malaria and cholera often do not receive the urgent medical attention they need.

The psychological toll of war is another silent crisis. Women who have survived sexual violence and children who have witnessed horrific acts of violence carry deep emotional scars. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are widespread, yet mental health services remain inadequate or non-existent in many conflict zones.

Limited Access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Services

The crisis has significantly disrupted access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, exposing displaced populations to waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Women and children, who are primarily responsible for collecting water in many communities, are forced to walk long distances in unsafe conditions, increasing their vulnerability to attacks. Inadequate sanitation facilities, especially in overcrowded IDP camps, contribute to the spread of disease and pose particular challenges for menstrual hygiene management (MHM) among women and girls.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Challenges

The conflict has severely disrupted access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, leaving women and adolescent girls without essential maternal healthcare, contraceptives, or support for survivors of sexual violence. Many women are forced to give birth in unsafe conditions due to the destruction of health facilities and the displacement of medical personnel. The lack of emergency obstetric care contributes to preventable maternal and infant deaths, while the absence of family planning services leads to unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions.

Impact on Children: The Lost Generation

Children in the DRC are growing up in a world of violence, uncertainty, and fear. Many might be recruited as child soldiers, forced to take up arms and participate in brutal acts. Others are orphaned or separated from their families, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and abuse. The disruption of education due to ongoing conflict means that an entire generation is deprived of the knowledge and skills needed to rebuild their communities.

Call for Urgent Humanitarian Response

Addressing the impact of the DRC conflict on women and children requires urgent international attention and intervention. Immediate priorities include:

• Strengthening protection mechanisms against SGBV and ensuring justice for survivors.
• Expanding WASH services to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.
• Access to education for children, even in displacement settings, to safeguard their future.
• Enhancing the availability of sexual and reproductive health services, including emergency maternal care.
• Providing psychological and social support to women and children affected by conflict-related trauma.
• Investing in long-term peacebuilding efforts to address the root causes of violence and instability.
• Humanitarian aid and healthcare services tailored to the needs of women and children.
• Peacebuilding efforts that include women in decision-making and conflict resolution processes to create sustainable solutions.

The conflict in the DRC is not just a political or military issue—it is a human crisis. Women and children, who should be protected and nurtured, are instead suffering the most. Their voices must be heard, and their needs must be met if there is any hope for a peaceful and just future in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Without concerted efforts from the international community, humanitarian organisations, and local governments, the suffering of women and children in the DRC will only continue to escalate. Now is the time to act and restore dignity, security, and hope to the most vulnerable populations caught in the crossfire of conflict.

We hope you enjoyed the article, you can read more articles from Namatama and Monica here and there will be more CRW Radio articles from Monica coming soon.