Harper Hill Global Comes to the Aid of Victims of Sexual Violence in Bukavu

By Philippe LOLONGA

May 14, 2026 | Bukavu, DRC

Thirty women who are victims of sexual violence in Bukavu are receiving assistance from Harper Hill Global to help them become self-reliant; soap-making and baking are the two main activities these victims will engage in to achieve self-reliance.

Key Points:

• The third site in Bukavu, comprising thirty women who are victims of sexual violence, has received assistance to help them become self-reliant.

• Following the two sites in Goma, these victims will benefit from this support from Harper Hill Global to empower themselves.

• The Bishop’s Delegates in North Kivu and South Kivu extend their heartfelt thanks to the partner Harper Hill Global for coming to the aid of this group of people  while Kivu faces the violence of aggressive warfare.

While the DRC continues to suffer from Rwanda’s war of aggression, women who have been victims of sexual violence resulting from these wars continue to receive assistance from Harper Hill Global in the form of baking and soap-making, said Mbilizi Bibiche, head of the Bukavu site.

Maman Mbilizi Bibiche points out that Harper Hill Global’s assistance comes at a time when no other organization is helping this group of people and no one is speaking out on their behalf.

Laureane is currently practicing pastry-making in Bukavu, by Philippe Lolonga, Harper Hill Global.

“I received food aid in recent months, and today I just received support to help me become self-sufficient. The baking skills will help me a lot, and I want to start supporting myself by making and selling bread,” said Rosette, one of the beneficiaries at the Bukavu site.

Rev. Henock Musehura points out that this aid comes at just the right time, as these women who are victims of sexual violence had been left to their sad fates and no one was thinking of them, but today the Church, through Harper Hill Global—led by Reverend Neelley Hick, known as Maman Ngandji—has just given them a new lease on life.

“I encourage Harper Hill Global to continue helping this group of people,” Henock concluded.

“I have been a victim of sexual violence since April 2025, and no one has stood up for me, but today Harper Hill Global has just introduced us to self-reliance,” said Clémence. “For me, this is a great blessing because, with the soap-making and baking businesses, I want to become self-reliant.”

We have given each beneficiary a complete kit, including the equipment for soap-making and baking; this is a start, and I will be there to provide guidance so that these women can continue to take charge of their lives. - Mbilizi Bibiche, head of the Bukavu site

Rev. Henry Jean Robert Kasongo Numbize, the Bishop’s delegate in North Kivu, expressed satisfaction with Harper Hill Global’s initiative from Goma and urged all beneficiaries to manage the resources and materials provided for soap-making and baking with a sense of responsibility.

Rev. Clement Kingombe, the Bishop’s delegate in South Kivu, recalls the greatest commandment, which is love for one’s neighbor.

"What Harper Hill Global has just done today is an act of love and charity, and I hope that this small group will one day be able to help others."

Philippe Lolonga is a Harper Hill Global correspondent based in the Congo. You can contact him through nhicks@harperhill.global.