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Victim, activist, heroine. Who was Masika?

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By Euronews  with EURONEWS, HRW, UN
Victim, activist, heroine. Who was Masika?

Rebecca Masika Katsuva, known simply as Masika, died on February 2 in the Democratic Republic of Congo from complications due to malaria. She was 49.

In 2012, our journalist Valérie Gauriat carried a report about Masika’s work.

Here Euronews takes you through who she was and the contribution she made.

Over the years, hundreds of women have flocked to Buganga in South Kivu province.

Thanks to Masika, the village has become known as a place of refuge and rejuvenation for anyone who is a victim of sexual violence.

  • A victim of sexual violence herself, in 2000 and with the help of the International Red Cross, Masika started helping other women who have been targeted
  • She brought victims to safety in the village of Buganga in South Kivu province.
  • The recovery program included practical support (many had been forced to flee their homes), private counselling and group work.
  • They were given work producing agricultural products to be sold in the surrounding communities.
  • Masika founded the APDUD association – the Association of Disinherited People United for Development.

In pictures and in tweets

What they are saying

The Democratic Repubic of Congo lost a hero this week(Human Rights Watch)

A heroine whose work will continue to inspire us(United Nations)