Goma, nicknamed the “rape capital of the world” lies on the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Similar to Austin, Texas in size, it is known for its part in the Rwanda Genocide in 1994 and for volcanic activity. Women’s roles in society follow traditional seamstresses, cooks, farm labor, or small vendors. However, young girls in the heart of Goma are breaking traditional roles and studying to be mechanics. Their peers and their elders have criticized them. They’ve been accused of man hunting and taking men’s jobs. The young group of girls do not feel dejected, “When people discourage us we feel more encouraged to go on.” (Dorcas Lukonge, age 17)
Reflection: This article immediately caught my eye and I loved the story that followed. The spirit in such a young group of girls amazes me. They live in a very physically threatening environment and are outcasted for taking on new roles as women, and yet all they want to do is learn and work good jobs. I love the simplicity of business. Goma is a very badly structured city with dirt roads that are full of potholes from various volcanic activity. Driving on the roads can be very treacherous and therefore there is high demand for good mechanics. These young women saw a need, learned a skill, and completed the transaction. That’s good business.
Published by The Daily Beast on 06.06.14, all pictures are by Nina Strochlic.
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