international women's day

Monday, March 8th not only marked the beginning of my last week in Goma but also an amazing day for Congo. Monday was International Women’s day. It’s a day for the women of the Congo to stand up and be heard. In Goma they march through the streets, chanting, singing and smiling while wearing specially made Congo outfits. In a country that has been dubbed by the media “Hell on Earth” and “The Rape Capital of the World” this day represents a huge step forward for how the women are perceived by the global community. They are active not just passive victims. Unfortunately because of the strict laws I was unable to take photos of the event but the view will forever be in my mind.
As the sea of women stopped and surged down the main drag, men stood by watching from the sideline shouting the occasional comment. I shook some of the women’s hands and decided to call it an early day. I hissed down a moto, quickly bartered a “fair” price and took off beside the colourful parade. We were stuck in traffic amongst the hooting, hollering, exhaust and honking as women attempted to take over the road. This was their day and nothing or no one was going to take it away from them. While we were stuck in the traffic I asked my moto driver what he thought of the day’s events. He seemed to be supportive of the entire event. It was amazing to see the amount of women that participated.
If Congo is “Hell on Earth”, than hell can throw great party.