The Power of Women, Denis Mukwege
The Power of Women, Denis Mukwege
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The Power of Women
A Doctor's Journey of Hope and Healing

Author: Denis Mukwege

Narrator: Dominic Hoffman

Unabridged: 11 hr 41 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 11/16/2021


Synopsis

From Nobel laureate, world-renowned doctor, and noted human rights activist Dr. Denis Mukwege comes an inspiring clarion call-to-action to confront the scourge of sexual violence and better learn from women's resilience, strength, and power.

At the heart of Dr. Mukwege’s message will be the voices of the many women he has worked with over the years. Dr. Mukwege will use individual cases to reassure all survivors that, even if their psychological wounds may never fully heal, they can recover and thrive with the right care and support.

Dr. Mukwege’s dramatic personal story is interwoven throughout as he explores the bigger issues that have become a focus of his advocacy. He will seek to explain why sexual violence is so often overlooked during war, and how governments need to recognize and compensate victims. He will also stress the importance of breaking down the taboos surrounding assault, and the necessity of building a system that supports women who come forward.

His words advocate for saying "no" to indifference and he asks listeners to reckon with the West’s involvement in perpetuating sexual violence in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, and to confront the abuse taking place in their own communities.

Sexual violence does not occur in a vacuum. The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has raged for over 20 years and has claimed an estimated 5 million lives, is inseparable from Western patriarchy and economic colonization. And this cycle of violence and spoils is not limited to Congo. Dr. Mukwege’s work has led him to South Korea, Latin America, the Middle East, and elsewhere in Africa, where he has found striking similarities in women’s testimonies.

The truth is, through the intricate ties of the global economy, we are all implicated in violence against women - whether it occurs amidst the fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo or on college campuses in the West. And Dr. Mukwege’s writing will address men as well, encouraging and guiding them to become allies in the fight against sexual abuse, in war and in peace.

Building more inclusive, gender-balanced societies will require developing what he calls “positive masculinity” a systemic change in male behavior and attitudes towards women. Dr. Mukwege hopes to inspire other men to speak out and join the struggle, rather than leaving women to fight the battle alone. He will also make the case, drawing from his experience and a wealth of research on the topic, that when women are involved as economic and political decision makers, all of society benefits.

The Power of Women will illuminate the enduring strength of women in the face of violence and trauma, and give hope for the potential of individuals to turn the tide.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

"The book we all need to be paying attention to now. The voices of women in Eastern Congo reverberate throughout Dr. Mukwege's moving account of the causes and consequences of sexual violence. Weaving together their stories with accounts from across the world, he calls on us all to emulate the strength of women for the sake of the world." — Emma Watson, actor and activist

“There are real heroes out there. There’s Denis Mukwege.” — Michaela Coel, creator of I May Destroy You and author of Misfits

About Denis Mukwege

Dr. Denis Mukwege was born in the Belgian Congo in 1955. As a child and young man, he was a first-hand witness to racial prejudices, as well as to the economic and moral decay of the Democratic Republic of Congo under dictatorship. Now a world renowned gynecological surgeon, he is recognized as the world’s leading expert on treating rape injuries, and his holistic approach to healing has inspired other initiatives around the world. In 2014, he was invited to the White House by Barack Obama. In Europe, he was awarded the prestigious Sakharov human rights prize award, earning him major public recognition for the first time. In 2018, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize along with Yazidi human rights activist and sexual violence survivor Nadia Murad.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Shahin

First of all respect to Denis Mukwege for all the work he has done for the women of the Congo. And respect to the women of the Congo and of the world for fighting this long battle against sexual violence and for not giving up.  I've been wanting to read a book by Denis Mukwege ever since I read the b......more

Goodreads review by Liz

I received this in a first reads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Dr. Mukwege îs a man who I would love to clone. I would also love for there to be no need to clone him. In the book he details his life and his work at Panzi hospital taking care of rape victims. The really remarkable thing a......more

Un livre et un homme absolument exceptionnels. Le parcours et l’engagement de Denis Mukwege sont extraordinaires, tellement de force morale et d’humilité ... ses mots devraient être diffusés dans le monde entier. Une des lectures les plus fortes de ma vie.......more

Goodreads review by Laura

An immensely powerful book that everyone interested in human rights should read. Written by Nobel prize winning doctor and activist, this is a startlingly terrifying yet empowering look at the issues faced by women not just in the authors home country, but the entire world. Some of the stories told......more


Awards

  • Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year