In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the first 'Mukwege Day' was celebrated on March 1st, organized by the foundation and hospital of Doctor Denis Mukwege in South Kivu, even in his absence. Survivors of sexual violence who have received treatment from Mukwege, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, are pushing for March 1, his birthday, to be acknowledged internationally as a day to honor his significant contributions to their healing and empowerment. They believe this recognition would also spotlight the ongoing issues surrounding sexual violence in conflict zones.

One of the prominent voices is Mwavita, a survivor from Mwenga, who credited Mukwege with restoring her hope and health after a traumatic experience. She vividly recalls being brought to Mukwege’s hospital unconscious and described the transformative care she received upon waking. For many in the community, Mukwege symbolizes resilience and an unwavering commitment to restoring dignity to survivors of sexual violence, making the proposed day not just a tribute to him but a rallying cry for the rights and recognition of women affected by such atrocities.

The establishment of 'Mukwege Day' is part of a broader movement to acknowledge and address the plight of countless women in the region who have been victims of violence. By advocating for a dedicated day, these survivors hope to draw global attention to the critical humanitarian work being done in South Kivu and to ensure that similar issues are not forgotten. This initiative also seeks to inspire other humanitarian efforts focused on the protection and empowerment of women in conflict-affected areas.