Rape Is a Societal Scourge - Can We End It?

Rape is a crime that causes physical injuries and long-term trauma, and in too many places it is a weapon of war, as in eastern Congo (DRC). Post-conflict countries, such as Liberia, have launched nationwide campaigns against the continued victimization of women that surged during war. High levels of rape accompany high levels of crime, and both South Africa and eastern Congo have been called 'the rape capital of the world'. Something must be done. At the same time, rape is a global problem, and it is important not to demonize Africa. AfricaCheck has pointed out flaws and inaccuracies in media reports of South African rape numbers, and North American and European countries have some of the highest reported rape levels, for a variety of reasons.The voices presented in AllAfrica's ThinkAfrica initiative - and the information provided alongside them - will call attention to the culture of rape and examine solutions, including higher levels of reporting, more reliable statistics and better policing.