Bad things happen all over the world everyday and everyday there are people making sacrifices to help others. Wars and other tragedies tend to bring out both the best and the worst of human nature. It is not what happens around us or what happens to us that defines who we are. It is the way that we react, what we do that shows out true character. Dr. Mukwege has shown himself to be a true hero and a champion of human rights despite the conflicts around him. When he saw the terrible things that were happening to women he started a clinic for women who have been gang raped in Congo’s conflict regions.
In 2012 his home was attacked by four armed men who held his wife and daughters hostage. A guard was killed and Dr. Mukwege was forced to go into exile in Europe. This happened a month after he delivered a speech condeming impunity for mass rape. He critisized the 16 years of inaction of the international community and the Congolese government. He returned to Bukava in January of 2013.
The clinic he works at is located in the Panzi Hospital in Bukava. Since the beginning of Congos war in 1998 he has often worked 18 hour days and performed up to 10 surgeries a day. He has treated thousands of women since the war began and continues to treat them despite the fact that his life has been seriously threatened. In 2013 he was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize because of his humanitarian work.
Source ( buzzfeed.com, wikipedia )
