Woman Who Survived Assault Dedicates Life to Easing Others’ Pain
- Teresa Suarez
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Bibiche is providing care and saving lives at a United Methodist facility in eastern Congo.
By Kathy L. Gilbert
Bibiche, 30, has lived her life in centers of conflict.
Instead of running away from those communities, she has become someone who works to alleviate the pain of those in need.
Bibiche was born in Kindu, Democratic Republic of Congo. The United Nations has called Kindu the rape capital of the world.
A rape survivor herself, she looks around her community and sees ways she can bring hope, dignity and happiness to her neighbors.
“From a young age, I have always wanted to help sick and vulnerable people who are abandoned,” she said. “Seeing the suffering around me motivated me to choose the field of health in order to save lives and alleviate the pain of those in need.”
Bibiche is the youngest of nine brothers and sisters born to farmers.
Her life changed when she met the Rev. Neelley Hicks, founder and director of Harper Hill Global, at the Mama Lynn Center in Kindu. The United Methodist-related center serves women who have been traumatized by violence, and Harper Hill Global is a ministry partner.
Bibiche told Hicks that she wanted to become a doctor but first wanted to be a nurse. Hicks and other donors helped her attend L'Institut Supérieur des Techniques Médicales de Kindu, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree.
She eventually left Kindu, a move prompted by an illness that necessitated going to the Panzi Hospital in South Kivu. Panzi Hospital specializes in supporting women who are survivors of war and conflict.
“We supported her going there, and then she settled in Goma,” Hicks said. “That's how she ended up there during this most recent conflict.”
Goma, a provincial capital in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, was taken over by March 23 Movement – or M23 – rebels in January 2025. Reports of atrocities and sexual violence have been pervasive in eastern Congo’s conflict zones.
Recently Bibiche has been providing care and saving lives at a health facility run by The United Methodist Church in Goma.
“What attracted me to this center is its mission to support vulnerable people – abandoned, stigmatized and marginalized girls and women in society,” she said.
Without Hicks’ support through Harper Hill Global, she would never have been able to achieve her goal to be a nurse, she said. Continuing support from Harper Hill Global helps her pay rent and cover other expenses.
She is also beginning to work with Harper Hill Global on hypertension reduction, which Hicks said further increases her monthly income for rent.
“I see many patients affected by illness, poverty and the consequences of conflict, even rape – malnourished children, pregnant women without regular prenatal care, and the injured,” Bibiche said.
She provides the women with health care, advice and moral support.
“I also try to raise awareness about hygiene and disease prevention. I also help provide them with food and income-generating resources.”
Today, 20 vulnerable women are already beginning to care for themselves, Bibiche said.
“Life is very difficult and marked by insecurity, mass displacement of populations, lack of resources and constant stress. Many families live in fear and uncertainty,” she said.
In addition to providing health care support, she has six refugees living with her. Harper Hill Global recently helped them get into safer housing, Hicks said.
Bibiche wants to continue her education, improve her skills and help more people.
Her most cherished dream is to continue her education and become a doctor so she can have a broader impact on the community.
“I dream of a peaceful community with better access to primary health care, education and dignified living conditions for all,” she said.
How to help: For less than $1 a day, your gift will provide a woman with food, medicine and trauma recovery. Join the Health and Hope Circle today by becoming a monthly donor! Your monthly donation of $10 or more will directly provide food and trauma recovery resources for survivors of this conflict. Select "Assistance for Victims of Conflict in DR Congo."
Gilbert is a correspondent for Harper Hill Global.
Media contact: The Rev. Neelley Hicks at (615) 260-6945 or nhicks@harperhill.global
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