Plight of Women in Congo

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Plight of Women in Congo
Introduction
It has emerged that over the years there are various undisputable call on how research are being carried out. There has been a constant increased quest to have research that is very relevant and authentic in tackling the emerging societal issues. Secondly, there have been calls to use research methodologies that will allow deeply interviewing persons deemed to be having wider knowledge on a given topic with reduced rate of Institutional Review Board checks. Lastly and more importantly, research methods that will be in line with the emerging technologies are also seen to be a requirement in his 21st century (McMahan & Kim, 1994 p 211). It is no doubt that oral history as a research methodology has been used in various fields and seems to meet these three desires.
By definition, oral history was coined to refer to the "the recording and preserving of planned interviews with selected persons able to narrate recollected memory and thereby aid the reconstruction of the past" (Charlton, 1985, p. 2). Additionally, it has also been deemed as a tape recorded interview in a question and answers manner. It is usually carried out by an individual who have more or some insights on the topic under discussion. Another attribute which is also south after by researchers is that interviewee have and do speak from a personalized background as he/she participate or directly observed what is being discussed bout.
The chosen topic is "the plight of women in Congo as a result of the recent conflicts". As stated previously, to gain full insight on what happened in the past entails engaging those individuals that observed and or experiences the issue being discussed at hand. Just like any other calamities, war, ethnic conflicts seem to affect women and children mot as compared to other individuals in the society. It has been argued out that history is our communal recollection (Beckman, 2003, p. 32). The aptitude to exploit history and take out helpful sweeping statement and presumptions is unique to mankind. With no an evidence of the earlier period mankind is left to plot a course in life without the guide of those who preceded him.
Existing debate on oral history
It is evident that there are differences in views concerning oral history as research skills. Most of the arguments are based on the advantages and disadvantages. Concerning the issues relating to how women in Congo suffered as a result of the conflict, gaining insight by interviewing them will definitely be of significance. Considering the fact that there is need to bring to light information that is authentic, relevant and using methods that would incorporate new and emerging technology oral history is appropriate (Beckman, 2003, p. 31).
Women are the most vulnerable group when it comes to issues relating to conflict and those in Congo are not an exception. One major problem women face in the wake of war is rape, loss of loved ones, properties among others. Of these problems, rape seems to carry very heavy consequences as it affects women both physically and psychologically.
It has been accepted that rape as well as sexual abuse is the biggest humanitarian crisis that face mankind. Generally speaking it has been established that rape and violence against women during time of turmoil is primarily aimed at degrading as well as humiliating the victim (Sommer & Quinlan, 2002, p. 207). It is also fact that as previously mention, victims re hurt forever and this is evident when trying to broker peace.
Congo women during the conflict have been sexually abused and raped in public as well as in the eyes of family members as well as neighbours which is a serious act that will negatively impact on a woman`s life (Locolombe, 2010, par. 2). According to interviews carried out, after the perpetrators have committed the act, they force those present to indulge in sexual activity against each other. In most cases, the soldiers do insert objects in the female genital parts; these objects include stick, pestles, gun barrel, bottles, and bananas.
There are instances where some women have been killed by bullets when gun is fired from the barrel inside their genitalia. The act is intended to and has been perceived by the perpetrators as well as the victim to believe that this is an incredible way of destroying the entire targeted community. Most women confess that the psychological as well as emotional torture their kids undergo when they have witnessed their mothers raped is far beyond imagination (Nikolic-Ristanovic, 1996, p. 196).
According to Sherna & Daphne, 1991, p. 107 there is need for government to offer both internal and solicit for external assistance concerning provision of legal, emotional as well as medical support for the rape victims. Passing of legislations that will criminalize the act as well as imposing harsh penalties on the perpetrators will contribute to assisting the victims. Other viable solution to address the issue is to have in place counsellors that will offer therapeutic treatment to the victims as well as empowering Congo women through various projects initiatives.
Critical analysis of the methodology
Due to the fact that oral history entails garnering information by use of primary data collection tools such as structured questionnaire and interview guide, it provide social and personal opportunity for change. It has been argued by Sherna & Daphne, 1991, p. 12 that by asking an individual or group of people to tell you something about their experiences on a certain issue for this case rape in Congo in most cases might allow such an individual to re-evaluate their lives and accept the realities and for...