February 2, 2000
Kigali, Rwanda -- In a bid to give a greater voice to the silent victims of war, the U.S. State Department has invited women representatives from eight countries involved in the Congo war to discuss how to end the conflict, an official said yesterday.
The invitation was extended with the view that while African wars are traditionally fought by men, the victims are mostly their wives, sisters or mothers who have to pick up the pieces as refugees, family leaders or rape victims. "We believe that women can transcend hatred and tensions and war in Congo, and find mutual interest as mothers, sisters and professionals, and speak with one voice," said Ergibe Boyd, a U.S. Embassy spokeswoman.
