Rape Warfare and "Ruined"

I have studied the issues surrounding warfare in the Democratic Republic of Congo for some time now. Going into the reading of Nottage’s play, Ruined, I was not unaware of the concept of “ruined women” and “genetically mutilated” women. I dare say that many of us in the class are aware, or have heard of this phenomenon that is sweeping war-stricken Africa, and I also will venture to say that those of who are aware of this assault against women have something to say about it. My questions of late are these: when did women’s bodies become the battlegrounds on which men fight their wars? How many women will these monstrous assailants attack and mutilate until they are satisfied?

“Rape as an instrument of warfare.” These are scary words for anyone to hear, and it’s even scarier for those women who are directly affected by it; the raped women, the ruined women. In combination with my fear for these women and for their future, I am also deeply saddened. I am overcome with sadness and despair, despite the notion that Nottage’s Ruined gave me something to smile about; the final scene gives hope. (While I was reading the play, I couldn’t help but remember the portions of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues which deal with female mutilation and rape warfare. However, Ensler’s input comes mainly from what she calls a “Vagina Fact,” a segment in The Vagina Monologues giving facts about genital mutilation. ) However, the entire play leading up to the final scene is full of sadness, which lets you know that it’s real. This stuff is really happening, and we only remember it when we read about it or when it’s in the news. How is this not a concept that is forever in our minds as women? Do we even know if mutilation and “female circumcision” is a phenomenon occurring in America right now? I, for one, have no clue if its happening in our own backyard, and I’m worried. Frankly, I think that our minimal fund of knowledge about these women in Africa, or lack of publicizing it at the very least, is a bit irresponsible. There are those around me who say that publicizing these acts would only be representative of Americans trying to put our nose into everything anyone else is doing (similar to other situations into which we have gotten ourselves), and that we should just stay out of it and focus on what’s at hand. These are women who are telling me to keep quiet and to mind my own business! Excuse me, but no!

It’s a scary thought to carry around with someone. To think that there are current generations of women and girls waiting to be raped and then to be used, abused, and then thrown away to die is horrifying. The idea of spreading information about these crimes against women is not lost on me, nor is it put to the side by other women who have come before me. Plays like Ruined need to be produced en masse for further education, in my opinion. It’s not the only way that this education can be spread, but it’s a damn good start. The ones most likely to take action are those who are actively pursuing attending artistic functions, like the theatre, and these activists are the ones who get things done. I thoroughly hope and believe that there will be a point in my life where the “ruined” women will be safe once again, and not have to worry about when her next predator is going to walk through the door.

Cheers,
Patsy