My life is intertwined with my war-torn homeland. Its turbulent history, exploitation, and conflicts cry out for much greater understanding. The upheaval of the past twenty-five years, the most devastating conflict since World War II, with over five million dead or missing, has been allowed to continue unresolved since 1996. I write about the tragedy of Congo in the hope of encouraging politicians in the West and elsewhere to actively engage, to take action towards the peace and justice that the people of Congo desperately desire. However, I have not written an autobiography, nor of course a book that seeks to fully interpret the wars of Congo.

This book is a tribute to the strength of all women, especially those who raised, educated, and inspired me. As you will see in chapter 1, I start from the beginning, with the woman who faced danger and uncertainty to bring me into the world – and just a few days later was called upon to save me from illness. The resilience and bravery my mother showed during my birth are matched only by her dedication to me and her other children throughout her life.

She shaped the perceptions of the young man I became, while also pushing me, sometimes using the well-meaning art of maternal manipulation, to pursue my dreams and become a doctor. She was my first heroine. On these pages, alongside my mother, are many others who motivated me with their courage and kindness, resilience, and activism.

They are activists, lawyers, or academics, as well as patients or survivors of sexual violence whom I have met during my work in Congo and my travels to Korea, Kosovo, Iraq, Colombia, or the United States, among others.