6Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

The DRC has been described as the “rape capital of the world,” with sexual violence used as a weapon of war in its ongoing conflicts. Women and girls are frequently subjected to rape, sexual slavery, and forced labor.
Access to education and healthcare for women is extremely limited, and patriarchal societal norms make it difficult for women to seek justice. Despite some legal frameworks aimed at protecting women, enforcement remains virtually nonexistent.