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Monday, January 14, 2008
Anderson's View: War Against Women


I've been getting a lot of e-mails today about my piece on 60 Minutes last night. It was a story about what's happening to women in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Watch Anderson's story from 60 Minutes)

The war that has plagued Congo for much of the last 10 years has been largely ignored by the rest of the world. It's actually the deadliest conflict since World War Two. More than 4 million people have died, and hundreds of thousands of women have been raped.

Most of the rapes are gang rapes, and they are extraordinarily brutal. Many women have had objects inserted into their vaginas -- broken bottles, bayonets, some women have even been shot between the legs.


Some of you may remember I went there last year for CNN. We did several broadcasts from Congo. I went back a couple months ago for CBS and sadly not much of anything has improved. In fact the fighting has resumed and it only seems to be getting worse.

I met one woman named Lucienne M'Maroyhi. She was raped by six soldiers. They made her brother hold a flashlight and watch her being raped. They then tried to get him to rape his sister, but he refused. They stabbed him to death in front of her.

She was held for eight months and raped everyday. She escaped, but her husband abandoned her, and she gave birth to a child -- a child of one of the soldiers who raped her. She named the beautiful little girl "Luck" because she feels lucky to be alive.

Lucienne is now enrolled with an organization called Women for Women, they help survivors of rape around the world. I've gotten a lot of e-mails from viewers asking how they can help. One way is to contact Women for Women. Here is their website: http://www.womenforwomen.org/


and here are some other related links:
International Rescue Committee Aid In Congo

Thank you for all your e-mails. People need to know what's happening in Congo. These women deserve to have their stories known, they want people to understand what they are going through.
Posted By CNN: 4:00 PM ET
  51 Comments
Anderson,
Thank you so much for telling that story! It is people like you who keep this going in the media. Without you women like Lucienne wouldn't have a chance.

I watched your piece last night and found it amazing yet very sadly sickening! I can't believe that such brutality can be done in this day and age with no consequences what so ever! That is horrible! What has this world come to!? Are we SO used to violence that we can now turn the other cheek when it isn't happening in our own back yard!? Sadly I think we have come to that!! I hope that something can be done to help save these women from any more horrific acts being done to them.

Thanks again for all of your work and for really caring! That was very noticable to me!

Cynthia, Covington, Ga.
Posted By Blogger Cindy : 4:28 PM ET
Truly shocking and distressing to see the suffering of these women. Of course, Congo is not the only nation to have its women treated poorly.

It certainly brings in to focus how much suffering there is in the world and how lucky many of us are to live where we do.

Thank you for bringing these women's stories to our attention.

Sarah - Canterbury, UK
Posted By Anonymous Anonymous : 4:28 PM ET
Hi Anderson,
Lucienne's story makes me really sad. It is very hard to imagine women living in such a violent environment with no respect for their lives what so ever.
It is REALLY despicable that circumstances have worsened since you were there before.
Thanks for the blog and the link to help.
Peace~
Posted By Blogger Betty Ann : 4:29 PM ET
Senator Biden has also introducted S. 2279 International Violence Against Women Act. Please contact your senators and ask them to please support this legislation.

Thank you again, Anderson, for bringing more awareness to these women and their horrific situation.
Posted By Blogger Jan from Wood Dale, IL : 4:30 PM ET
Hi Anderson:

It is hard to believe these things continue to happen in this day and age,while the world stands by and does nothing!

It does not seem like anything will change in the DRC anytime soon-it seems,well,lawless.


Thank you for bringing these stories to light,your 60 Minutes piece was very emotional and moving.


Take care.
Posted By Anonymous Anne-Newfoundland,CANADA : 4:31 PM ET
thank you for sharing their story with us. it was so very sad, but at the end of the segment i actually felt like a stronger woman. i am very lucky to have never faced anything like what these women live with every day, but was touched by their ability to smile in the face of it all. these are the stories we all need to hear. thanks again.
Posted By OpenID ribbitjen23 : 4:35 PM ET
The segment was great and beautifully done. It brought the plight of these women into the spotlight and hopefully let people know that many of these women are not giving up, but will need all the help that can be given.

As long as there are reporters who want to cover this story, keeping it out there, doctors who give there time and the public who wants to help all will not be lost or forgotten.
Posted By Anonymous Marcia Warren, MI : 4:36 PM ET
Hi Anderson, I'm sure you've heard this a million times, but I also want to say thank you for covering this piece on 60 Minutes. When I try to put myself in these women's shoes, I can't even do it...I just start to tear up right away, I shake my head and ask "Why?" Thanks for giving us the links so we can help right away. I know the U.N. is doing what it can, but I really wish we can all find a long-term solution to this.

Thanks,

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington
Posted By Blogger Lilibeth : 4:39 PM ET
Anderson,


I've followed your reporting on the Congo from last year, I remember the little girl that had been raped, her face had been concealed , I remember the women and saw their faces, they almost seemed void of any life, after the horror they experienced along with having their families killed before them, I prayed that with the coverage you brought change would come about, justice, also concider they live in poverty, well, talk should lead to action, only that could bring hope, the Gorillas of whom you've also reported on is very important as well , to reveal the evil that takes place in this part of the world is something I'd like the candidates to address, I've never heard Obama address world issues , (voters take note.) Thanks Anderson for the 60 minutes piece.
I will see how I can help on the web site. Maritza M. San Jose, Ca.
Posted By Anonymous Anonymous : 4:41 PM ET
Anderson...

I wish you could somehow get all of the other news services to report on this, and to put it on their front pages...instead of what we have been seeing today...useless stories about why Britney Spears didn't show up at her child custody hearing. Is there anyone else out there who doesn't consider that "news", or even worthy of being on anyone's front page?? Where are the stories about Darfur (it hasn't gone away, you know), or the reports like this one on what's happening in the Congo?

Thanks for giving us some real news, Anderson. This report is so intensely heartbreaking, and horrifying, and that's why it needs to be read.
Posted By Blogger Diane : 4:43 PM ET
Hi Anderson,

I saw 60 mins last night as well and while not much shocks me these days, I was truly amazed at how how terrible things are. The violence with which these women and children are brutalized is truly horrific. I can't even begin to imagine how difficult it must have been to be there and talk to the victims first hand. They really are amazingly strong women, true survivors. I am planning a trip to Africa for later this year to do some volunteer work and while I know it's extremely volatile and too dangerous, the Congo is high on my list of places I'd like to go and help.

Thank you for telling their stories, the sensitivity you bring is extraordinary.

Take care,
Jennifer
Posted By Anonymous Jennifer, Washington DC : 4:43 PM ET
Anderson,

I belong to Human Rights Watch, so I am somewhat familiar with the situation in Congo. But reading about it is hardly the same as seeing the women who have been so hideously victimized. Thank you so much for your moving piece on 60 Minutes.

Lucienne's daughter will need more than the name of Luck if she is to avoid her mother's fate. Bringing this story to the attention of viewers is a needed first step to stop the victimization of women which happens in too many places around the globe.Those who care need to join organizations such as womenforwomen and Human Rights Watch, write letters, and pressure their governments to take action.
Posted By Blogger Barbara in Culver City, CA : 4:45 PM ET
I can't watch it's unbearable. In school they finally are teaching kids about the horrors of Rwanda and there are clubs to raise awareness about Darfur, but they like to sweep things like this under the rug. I just don't understand why.
Posted By Blogger Kayle : 4:46 PM ET
I think it starts at the top; the "Presidents" of these nations are as corrupt as they come. Since the UN doesn't seem to be doing their job, it's up to free nations to remove dictators and false Presidents who allow women to be treated this way.
Posted By Anonymous Diane -Providence RI : 4:48 PM ET
Dear Anderson,

Thank you for your excellent report "War Against Women" on "60 Minutes!"

Every time I see you report on this subject I am horrified and I wonder why I haven't seen more about it in the media. I can always count on you to report on what is really important in the world. It is difficult to believe that this is happening anywhere in the 21st century!

One of the worst things about this tragedy is that these women are shunned by their communities, their families, and even their husbands for something they had no control over. I can understand that the husbands feel responsible because they could not prevent the rapes, but it sounds like they are more concerned about how it reflects on them and less about what their wives have gone and are going through.

It is obvious that these rapists have an overwhelming need to feel powerful, however, they will never be as strong as Lucienne and the other rape victims that have persevered. I was particularly moved by Dunia Karani's story, I wish her the very best of luck.

It is heartbreaking to see how compassionate and strong these women remain in the face of such horror. They have nothing to be ashamed of.

It is time for the United States and the rest of the world to take a closer look at this and the other atrocities that have been largely ignored in Africa.

I hope you will keep us updated on this subject.

Best,
Jo Ann
North Royalton, Ohio
Posted By Blogger Jo Ann : 4:51 PM ET
Anderson,
It is heartbreaking to know that that is going on in the world. The torment those women are going through, it's just so depressing. It really makes you appreciate America though. Thank you for sharing. Those women and the people suffering in Congo will definitely be a part of my prayers.
Posted By Anonymous Kristin : 4:55 PM ET
Anderson:

Great story last night.

Thanks for not only bringing these stories to our attention, but for letting us know how we can help.

Kim, Bolingbrook, IL
Posted By Anonymous Kim : 4:58 PM ET
Hi AC! I did see your story on 60 Minutes last night. I can't believe that things have gotten worse. I hope at least that the hospital treating these women is a safety zone. The Doctor there is wonderful. Did you ever feel threatned while you were traveling through the Congo? The government seems useless, so I hope the UN can try to work towards stability. These soldiers are ruthless sick men who prey on weak and defenseless people. I'm not sure I understand what joy they see in ruining womans bodies. Don't they have families of their own-wives, sisters, daughters? I hope they are stopped and soon! Thanks for your dedication to the story.
Posted By Anonymous Kathy Chicago,Il : 5:04 PM ET
Like many viewers out there, your story was the first time I was informed about this atrocity. Rape is one of those unimaginable things to me and I personally don't believe I could survive it. This woman is beyond brave-she's extraordinary. If you didn't tell us about these things, who would?

Thank you
Posted By Anonymous Debbie, Denham Springs, LA : 5:08 PM ET
All the beautiful people, all the beautiful land and all the corruption.

Last night after I watched the piece, I could help thinking, "What does God have in mind for these ladies and what can they teach me about compassion and peace?"

Thanks for ending the piece in song.
Posted By Anonymous Renee Bradenton, FL : 5:14 PM ET
Anderson

Your news segment last night was incredibly good and horrifying to watch and hear about what these women have had to go through. It makes you wonder if there is anything people won't stoop to doing to have power over another.

Watching these women stooped over carrying their families belongings or their children on their backs, washing clothes in a bucket of muddy water, trying to find food and water for themselves and their children, and living in the fear of being the next one to be raped stunned me. What was even more stunning was their resilience, their ability to pick up and move on and keep on going especially Lucienne, who despite the malicious acts against her, had the baby conceived from her rape and named her Luck. She showed a strength of character and dignity not found very much these days.

Hearing the story juxtaposed against the backdrop of all the brightly colored clothes the women wore and the beauty of the place that the camera showed left one speechless with horror and dismay.

Thank you for telling their story. Its too bad that these kind of stories exist in this day and age to be reported on.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL
Posted By Blogger Annie Kate : 5:24 PM ET
We were so concerned Iraq had WMDs so much so that we pre-emptively struck the country and yet we completely ignore what is happening in the African continent. Genocide is genocide; atrocities are atrocities regardless of what is to gain politically.

Maybe if the Congo were to hold a key military position or some other value to the US, we would then step in. In the meantime, we continue to not really ignore but not step in either.

Sad commentary on what we could be doing versus what we are doing.
Posted By Anonymous Lisa, Elk Grove, CA : 5:30 PM ET
"...sadly, not much of anything has improved."

Well, as long as men stand around and watch women they care about being physically tortured by other men, no, then it's not going to improve. My female friend who does aid relief work in Sudan says she has lost all respect for the men in that country because they rationalize that it's ok for their sisters, wives, and mothers to be raped when they go seeking water, because the alternative is for the men to get the water and risk being killed.

I knew a girl from my high school who drank too much at a party and was gang-raped by her classmates, some of whom she had known since she was a small child. Then the father of one of these young men raped her. Then they raped with a broken beer bottle. It was so violent that the doctors said it was probably going to impact her ability to have children. In the end, the local law enforcement swept it all under the table because they deemed that the girl had put herself in that unfortunate situation.

These kinds of things happen in our own country, we don't have to go to the Congo to see them.

With regards to the Congo, until we can change the culture of a country, we're not going to have much of an impact at changing the actions of their people.

When we export our values we change the recipient of those values, “Westernizing and civilizing" the nation we're influencing.

One of the easiest ways to do this is by exposing the populace to our popular culture - movies, tv, music, entertainment. Even Jesus taught “by parable”. Why hasn't anyone thought of this?

We can lament that nothing is changing, or we can ask the question "Is the reason that it's not changing because the people have no idea that it CAN be different?"

If you doubt that theory, then ask the millions of illegal immigrants why they took the risks they took to get into this country - they SAW something better. They wanted a part of it.

It's great to inform us. Thank you. But maybe we need to inform THEM.

What does it take to get a tv set out into the Congo?
Posted By Anonymous Julie San Diego, CA : 5:38 PM ET
Anderson,

The crimes being perpetrated against the Congolese women are horrendous and unthinkable. Last semester I researched the atrocities to share the stories of various women and children with my classmates. It was heartbreaking to read personal accounts from women who had been raped and beaten or whose husbands and children had been forced to watch and then brutally murdered. I may not be able to go to the DRC or save a woman's life, but I do have the ability to share the knowledge that I have gained. The more people that know about the DRC, the more likely it is that these atrocities will stop.
Thank you for going back to the DRC and for continuing to share these women's stories. They deserve not to be forgotten.
Posted By Anonymous Kimberly Miller, Hiram, OH : 5:38 PM ET
Thank you, Anderson,
Thanks for having the courage and interest for reporting this heinous incident. And, yes, I say interest because there is typically little interest from the general media and public at large about abuses to women, other than the "tsk-what-a-shame" tone that frequently accompanies stories about poverty-stricken and abused women (from other parts of the world, usually). I realize I sound cynical as I write this, but I believe society as a whole fails to recognize the gross inequities in treatment of women from all cultures, including the U. S. As long as women are considered male property, we will continue to see these kinds of acts perpetrated against our sisters.
And if you think I am being "stridently feminist," check out the responders to this article: as of the time I write this, the seventeen responses before me are ONLY FROM WOMEN!
Posted By Anonymous C. Anne, Dover, NH : 5:55 PM ET
What's happening in the Congo is horrible. There's no denial of that. However, women and men in our own country are raped and beaten every day, often by family members, friends, or acquaintances. There are different standards legally, societally, and culturally for men who are abused by women or male partners versus women who are abused by men or a female partner. For any rape victim, adult or child, the criminal justice system often seems to work in favor of the perpetrator instead of the survivor. As a counselor, I've heard the stories of survivors as they've cried their hearts out to me in pain sometimes for the first time ever. Their voices were forced into silence in our own country in a society that wants to believe everything is perfect and pretty. I don't have to go to the Congo to realize life sucks and people are cruel or that stories of innocent victims need to be told. I just have to work professionally as a therapist or volunteer at a domestic violence shelter or rape crisis center to understand that rape and abuse are about power and the dehumanization of another and that until we see each person on this planet as the unique child of God that he or she is, nothing is going to change no matter how much we want it to happen. I believe we're hypocritical if we don't try to end sexual assault and violence here first. Rape is brutal and life changing no matter where it happens. Then again, the upper middle class verbally abused housewife forced to have sex with her husband against her will for half her marriage in suburban America who barely has her soul intact doesn't evoke emotion and ratings for the networks like a woman in third world Africa.
Posted By Anonymous Tammy, Berwick, LA : 5:59 PM ET
The issues in Congo have been a subject of great concern to me for the past few years as well, Anderson, and I'm very happy you've chosen to bring it to the attention of your viewers. Lucienne is an extraordinarily brave and very lucky woman indeed, and I'm glad her story has been told. Thank you so much, Anderson.

--Mari, MI
Posted By Anonymous Marine Hudson : 6:03 PM ET
It is not often your blogs make me teary eyed, but you did it today.
Thank you for going to places others wont go, and reporting stories others ignore.

Thank you for caring.
Posted By Anonymous Sara, UT : 6:07 PM ET
That was a powerfully sad story you shared with us all, and thank you for it. It is amazing how the entire world can ignore something so incredibly brutal. Good reporting.
Posted By Anonymous Will, Williamson, NY : 6:22 PM ET
Hi Anderson,

Like everyone else who’s posted today, I was deeply moved and saddened by your story on 60 Minutes last evening. I knew it was going to be a powerful piece just based on the preview I’d seen. I didn’t realize that I would sit through the entire piece with my mouth agape.

There are many situations that I can find understanding through empathy, this is not one of them. I will never be able to understand how such evil can still exist in the world. But, one thing I do know is that these women are the living embodiment of courage and a true inspiration.

I know it must be very difficult for you to cover these stories, to bear witness to such horrific acts against innocent people. You are a remarkably caring and compassionate person. Thank you for continuing to bring these incredible stories to our attention.

Mindy
Surprise, AZ
Posted By Blogger Mindy : 6:23 PM ET
Thank you Anderson and producers for agreeing that this issue is important and needs air time!
Thank you also for the links!!! I'll spread the word to my friends.
I wonder why the systematic rapes of women are not important enough for other governments and organizations to call for a stop and to do something!
It's because there's no money in it for the other governments and because "hey, they were only raped, they didn't even die."
It's sickening!
Posted By Anonymous Minou, New York,NY : 6:27 PM ET
The story last night was amazing. We tuned into 60 Minutes for another story, but the Congo story has stayed with me. Even though I know that women are brutalized in many parts of Africa, it is always hard to wrap my head around it. Even my husband who likes to change the channel or leave the room when these kinds of stories are on, stayed in the room and listened.

Africa needs more good men like the doctor in the story. The husbands need to stay and fight for these atrocities to stop happening to their wives, mothers and daughters.
Posted By Anonymous Minnie, Portland, Oregon : 6:30 PM ET
Anderson,
Not only does rape mutilate a woman's body but brings shame to her place in the world. To intellectualize this reasoning is futile. It just doesn't make sense. It is violence in its most evil form.

Thank you for revisiting the Congo and the women who are going through their own form of genocide. In addition, thank you for the additional websites to keep us educated on the issue.

Thank you also for reporting on what would be considered a very hard topic to cover. It is not easy to watch the reports. But that is exactly why they need to be produced. We can no longer just turn our eyes away from what makes us uncomfortable. We need to feel it, and then act to change it.

Thanks, Anderson, AC360 and 60 Minutes for responsible journalism.
Posted By Blogger Sharon from Indy : 6:53 PM ET
Anderson,

I watched your story on 60 Minutes last night with tears in my eyes; it's unfathomable and unconscionable to think that any human being could be capable of such brutal hatred towards another, but even more unconscionable is the knowledge that much of the world chooses to look the other way when such horrors are brought to light. Thank you for your consistent, genuine, and skilled efforts in shedding that much-needed light on these issues, and for giving us all some necessary perspective with respect to what is truly important and deserving of attention.
Posted By Anonymous Candace Williams, Las Cruces NM : 7:08 PM ET
Anderson,

Despite the fact that I find you the weirdest and goofiest anchor in present time, I am very grateful that you care and keep reminding us viewers about violence against women in Congo, Darfur and worldwide.
Posted By Anonymous Ratna, New York, NY : 7:21 PM ET
Anderson,
I did manage to catch your piece on this horrible "weapon of war", as it was described in the story. It is incredibly shocking, especially since these brutal acts are still occuring.

Thank you for continuing to shine a light on what is going on in the world, even if it isn't reported on by other news outlets.You are doing an important job and that is also evident from your memoir, which I just read.

This might not be the best place to tell you, but I just wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your book. I bought it as a winter-break read to get through the holidays. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. It was profound, soul-reviving, and insightful on many levels. I felt deeply connected and could relate to you in many ways from trying to get the story(former journalism major) to the fact that you wanted to forget a painful past. I found myself nodding to everything you said.It was interesting how you connected preasent events to your past and how one moment or conversation reminded you of something in your past.

It must have helped you to write this book. Perhaps, it has helped you become whole again and not have that half-heart you spoke of in the book. In the process, you have also helped others with this personal and incredibly touching book. I am one of those.

So, thank you and continue doing this important job which does impact people. Never think your stories don't matter. They do.

Sincerely,
Janie Eagle Pass, Texas
Posted By Anonymous Janie : 7:32 PM ET
Because this horrendous abuse of women is occurring in Africa, the western "civilized" nations simply don't care and choose to ignore it.

I suppose the only chance for one of the "civilized" western nations such as the U.S. to intervene and stop this abuse would be if there was some precious natural resource like abundant oil discovered in the Congo.

I find it sad that western nations place greater value on natural resources than they do on human lives. When will we ever learn?
Posted By Anonymous Joseph Kowalski, North Huntingdon, PA : 7:43 PM ET
Anderson, when I first read this today I got angry. I was angry that I had to hear/read this story again. I remember when you first reported on it, it made me sad.

I came back to it later, still angry, but at myself because I was so selfish earlier. Yes, it's a difficult subject. But one that needs to be stopped. This abuse has to stop. Maybe anger will force people to do something about it.
Posted By Anonymous Jess, Paris, KY : 8:21 PM ET
Dear Anderson...
Thank you for the distinctive journalism, really.

We can't watch CBS program in Korea, so I appreciate this piece very much. I'm speechless.... What a heartbreaking story!!! When I'm reading Lucienne's story it makes me so sad. The people who commit such a barbarous violence to females should be severely punished by the law. And I really hope the world should be free from barbarous violence to females in 2008. Many thanks, Anderson and CNN for the Great coverage!!!
Posted By Anonymous Kim Jung-Hae. Seoul. S, Korea : 8:39 PM ET
Very sad. Maybe more countries can get involved to intervene in the corrupt government. Or, would that upset the diamond empire owners and various countries share of it? Could these resources be used to make a better life for these women and their families and help the economy & dangerous political climate?
Posted By Blogger Carol B. : 9:23 PM ET
Anderson, I saw your story on 60 minutes, thank you so much for
your coverage of this terrible thing that is being done to these women and children. How can the men who commit this crime feel no
guilt- they have mothers, sisters,
daughers-and the fact the government does nothing to stop this- is ubelievable. What really
grips my ass is our grovenment invades a country for no really good reason but stands back and
lets this take place<
Posted By Anonymous Barb-Dalton ga : 9:43 PM ET
Hey Anderson,
When the Belgian, British, French, Italian, Spanish & Portuguese colonized Africa, there's no doubt atrocities took place but, when the 19th century turned, gradually, the aboriginals gave the colonialists their walking papers. The final 'thank you' card arrived when reclaiming their lands, the inexperienced governors systematically erased their history by changing their names but, the face remained the same. I think the reason Western nations are reluctant to intervene is the ingratitude they received upon departure; the people of Africa wanted to govern themselves without northern imperialist intervention ... be careful what you wish for.
By the bee Anderson, I disagree with Ratna from New York; you're neither weird nor goofy but exactly what the industry needs: humanity.
Dwayne Moholitny
Edmonton, Alberta
Posted By Anonymous marq65 : 9:45 PM ET
Hi Anderson,
Hopefully,this story being broadcast on 60 minutes will bring even more attention to this than CNN did last year.
The only way to get pressure for change is to reach as many people as possible. It's terrible to hear that things have gotten worse, not better. Where is the world community? Thanks for the info on how we can help, or at least try to help.

Lorie Ann
Buellton, Calif.
Posted By Blogger Lorie Ann : 9:55 PM ET
Hi Anderson,

This is very disturbing; it leaves me sad and angry. I hope and pray for justice for these women and their families.

Thank you for bringing this story to global attention.

Anna
Posted By Anonymous Anna, Toronto, ON, Canada : 9:59 PM ET
I also saw a documentary on Chad and they noted similar things there.

Women who had these things done to them and it makes me cry.

The show mentioned that some women were so messed up inside that they couldn't control bodily functions and needed cathidors and colostomy bags. Doctors without Borders helps also.

These entities who do this should not be called human let alone men.

Thank you for putting a light on such a dark place so that hope can be brought to those who need it the most. This saying fits perfectly here...."All the darkness in the world can not extinguish the light of a single candle."
Posted By Anonymous Sabrina in Los Angeles : 10:00 PM ET
Thanks Anderson, for taking the time to follow-up and posting information about how people can help. Thanks also to you and your crew for continuing to be dedicated to reporting about places like Congo and those who are innocent victims of violence and war.
Posted By Anonymous Kara, Phoenixville, PA : 10:55 PM ET
Your piece on 60 MINUTES was painfully heart breaking but amazing. Thank you for this piece! Please re-air this on CNN -there were a tremendous amount of football playoff viewers and more audience need to see it.
Jennifer McDevitt, Los Angeles, CA
Posted By Blogger Jayne : 11:03 PM ET
Women in American like to think they are strong and powerful and equal to men in every way. The women living in the DRC are way ahead of us. They could teach us something about strength.

It's amazing that Lucienne could find enough love in heart to love her baby, regardless of how she was conceived. You would think that she would flash back to her ordeal every time she looks at her baby's face. But it appears that isn't the case. She is a remarkable woman. I will keep all these women and children in my prayers. Hopefully, these situation will change someday, hopefuly soon.
Posted By Anonymous Christina, Windber, PA : 11:25 PM ET
Anderson,
I think everyone should be aware of this situation that is happening to woman. Woman in that country don't seem to be treated well and that is not fair, its hard to believe that such a thing is going on today.
The men there think woman are just toys to play with, its horrible to hear a story like this but also very important to tell.

I think you did a wonderful job in covering this story. It is a story in which everyone should hear.

Thank you
Posted By Anonymous Neva, Toronto, Canada : 11:32 PM ET
Thank you Coop for this exposure! The women of the Congo only recently came on my radar after hearing a piece on NPR. She was interviewing and activist there by the name of Christina Schuler D'Shriver. I was rocked to my core. After I was done sobbing, I got busy researching a this on the internet. The more I dug the more horrified I was by the magnitude of these atrocities. I was furious too that there had been so little national media coverage on the situation. How could such a femicide be going on, had been going on for years(!) and I hadn't heard about it until now!? I decided right away that I would do what I could to help these women and the children. For the past 2 months I been extreemly busy putting together a fundraiser for The CIty of JOy, the facility now being built as safe have and a place for these victims to recover and rebuild their lives.
Thank you a thousand times for exposing this hidden war! The more attention it gets, the more (I hope) the global community will stand up for these women...... , grandmothers, mothers, sisters, aunts and little girls!. What affects one, affects us all...!
Jody Frost
Danville Ca
Posted By Blogger JodyFrost : 4:44 PM ET
Anderson Coopers story came at the perfect time as it aired the week before our first Planning Meeting for a fundraiser for Women for Women International. Two of us learned of the organization and were inspired to do something to help. We live in San Diego and are collecting Silent Auction prizes & sponsorships for our event May 22, 2008. If you want to help, email attention to Dara re: Del Mar Event at w4wfund@gmail.com
Posted By Blogger Dara Chantarit, Realtor : 1:01 AM ET
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