In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a nation grappling with widespread conflict and displacement, a unique sanctuary is providing critical support to young girls who have survived sexual violence. The Toyokana Center, whose name means "Let's listen to one another" in the local Lingala language, was established in Kinshasa to offer a safe space for healing, protection, and recovery.
The center's creation addresses a growing crisis. Last year alone, more than 45,000 cases of sexual violence against children were officially recorded in the DRC, a figure that experts believe represents only a fraction of the true total. Driven by conflict, poverty, and a culture of impunity, this violence leaves deep physical and psychological scars on its young victims.
Key Takeaways
- The Toyokana Center in Kinshasa provides medical and psychological care for girls who have experienced sexual violence.
- Sexual violence against children in the DRC has been increasing for four years, with over 45,000 cases reported last year.
- Conflict in eastern DRC has displaced approximately 7 million people, creating conditions where sexual assault is common.
- The two Toyokana centers have assisted over 100,000 girls, but face significant funding shortfalls due to cuts in foreign aid.
A Response to a Desperate Need
The concept for the Toyokana Center emerged from a powerful call to action. In 2022, a forum brought together 100 girls and young women, aged 13 to 24, from across the DRC and neighboring African nations. During the three-day gathering, one issue consistently surfaced as their most pressing challenge: sexual violence.
Ramatou Toure, chief of child protection at UNICEF DRC, who helped organize the event, noted the pervasive nature of the problem. "Almost all of those girls were either survivors of sexual violence or they were in very close proximity," she said. The participants voiced a strong desire for a place where they could feel safe, be heard, and receive care without judgment.
This need is particularly acute within family structures, where abuse often occurs. "A girl who was raped by her father won't know in whom she can confide," explained Loa Falone, a social worker at the center. "There was really a strong desire to have a safe space where these girls will be heard, protected and taken care of."
Understanding the Crisis
The rise in sexual violence is closely linked to the protracted conflict in the eastern part of the DRC. Fighting has forced around 7 million people from their homes, many into displacement camps where safety is minimal and the risk of assault is high. However, the issue is not confined to conflict zones; urban poverty and child marriage contribute to the problem nationwide.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
The Toyokana Center offers more than just immediate medical attention for physical injuries. It provides a comprehensive support system designed to address the complex trauma that follows sexual assault. Psychological counseling is a core component of the center's services, helping girls navigate severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety.
Annie Kikoli, a therapist in Goma, DRC, described the internal struggle many survivors face. A child who has been assaulted often internalizes the trauma, developing a negative self-image. "She tells herself that, well, I endured this event, so that means I'm not like other people," Kikoli said. "The more the person stays isolated, the more they start developing abnormal behavior."
Toyokana's staff works to prevent this isolation. They facilitate group sessions where girls can share their experiences, but they also pay close attention to those who remain silent. "There are children who are so quiet, they have a really hard time saying who hurt them and what happened," Falone shared. Staff members are trained to notice subtle signs of distress and gently offer one-on-one support.
Since opening, the two Toyokana centers in Kinshasa have provided care to more than 100,000 girls who have either experienced or been exposed to sexual violence.
Building Skills for a New Future
The center's support extends beyond psychological healing. Many of the girls arrive with additional challenges, including a lack of formal education. Georgette Uma, a supervisor at Toyokana, recalled the story of one girl who had endured multiple assaults and could not read or write.
"She learned how to read, how to write. This strengthened her. Today, she's become a model for the girls who are still on the streets."
By offering informal education and life skills, the center empowers survivors to rebuild their lives and envision a future beyond their trauma. This holistic approach helps restore a sense of agency and self-worth that was stolen from them.
Funding Cuts Threaten Progress
Despite its success, the future of Toyokana and similar programs is uncertain. The scale of the need across the DRC far outstrips the available resources. Uma expressed a desire to expand their work, especially into conflict-ridden areas, but they are constrained by a lack of funding.
The situation has been made worse by significant cuts in foreign assistance. According to UNICEF's Ramatou Toure, funding for such programs in the DRC was nearly halved, dropping from $18 million in 2024 to an estimated $10 million in 2025.
"We have seen a lot of the local programs for sexual violence being disrupted or completely stopped in terms of funding," Toure stated. This reduction in support comes at a critical time, undermining the progress made by organizations on the ground.
While long-term solutions require achieving peace in the region and strengthening the justice system to hold perpetrators accountable, Toure emphasized that local efforts can make a profound impact. "It's not a hopeless case," she affirmed, highlighting that with proper support, it is possible to both prevent and respond to sexual violence effectively.