Healing the Invisible Wounds: eGov System Supporting Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in the DRC

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, many forms of suffering stay unseen and unheard. Years of armed conflict have plagued the region. Chronic insecurity is rampant. Entrenched poverty has intensified these issues. This environment has led to widespread gender-based violence (GBV). It affects thousands of women and girls, and at times, men. The consequences are devastating for individuals, families, and communities.

Every day, new survivors walk into health centres or discreet support facilities. They come with eyes downcast. They carry immense emotional and physical trauma. These invisible wounds need more than medical treatment; they call for compassionate listening, psychological support, and the restoration of dignity.

Leveraging Technology for Human-Centred Response

In response to this critical need, eGov Africa is an organisation at the intersection of technology and social impact. They developed the eGov system. It is a digital solution designed to strengthen the response to GBV. It also supports survivors throughout their recovery journey.

A Multisectoral Digital Platform Serving Public Health and Protection

eGov is a comprehensive electronic system that spans several sectors, including taxation, finance, civil registration, education, and health. This system is designed to run on tablets and smartphones. It works even in low-connectivity environments. This feature makes it particularly valuable in remote and underserved areas.

In the health sector, eGov facilitates the secure registration of births and GBV cases. This enables a holistic and coordinated approach to survivor care. The platform supports the planning and tracking of medical interventions. It also supports mental health support and psychosocial services. Additionally, it generates real-time statistical data. This information informs programme coordination and policy advocacy.

Access to eGov is role-based. This ensures that sensitive personal data is handled in full compliance with ethical standards. It also aligns with data protection principles. It is not merely a digital tool — it is a bridge between urgent need and prompt, dignified support.

“Thanks to the eGov system, our organisation, UCD, has registered over 300 cases of GBV. The application has streamlined our ability to collect, analyse, and report data. It has also allowed us to follow up with beneficiaries for outreach and awareness sessions.”
— Merco Simini, GBV Project Manager, Union des Chrétiens pour le Développement (UCD)

Placing Psychosocial Support at the Core

eGov Africa implements this system with the help of key partners. These partners include LM International. They include Kyeshero General Referral Hospital – Goma, Panzi Hospital – Bukavu, and various health centres. They also work with psychosocial support structures.

Among these, the Union des Chrétiens pour le Développement (UCD) in Goma plays a central role. They use eGov daily to improve the quality and coordination of GBV response services. Survivors are received in a safe and respectful environment, where trust is built and healing begins.

“My parents were killed. The attackers raped us and then murdered them. Today, UCD has given us hope by committing to support us. I thought I would be alone, with no one to help. But through UCD, I found a family again — and for that, I am grateful.”
— Zawa, survivor supported by UCD in Goma

The eGov system allows caseworkers to document each step of the support process with confidentiality. It also ensures accuracy. This guarantees continuity of care and enhances survivor outcomes.

Ensuring Medical Care with Dignity

Survivors with physical injuries are referred to partner medical facilities. These include Kyeshero General Referral Hospital. At these facilities, they get treatment without discrimination — even when incapable of paying.

“After the assault, we were taken to Kyeshero Hospital. We were welcomed and treated respectfully, even though I had no money. I received proper medical care, and today I am recovering. I was lost and traumatised, but I’m starting to regain my sense of self-worth.”
— Sifa, survivor receiving medical care at Kyeshero Hospital

In these clinical settings, eGov enhances medical staff’s ability to coordinate care while protecting patients’ confidentiality.

From Data to Dignity: Building a Resilient Future

eGov offers more than just data management — it offers a pathway to visibility, justice, and recovery. By enabling evidence-based decision-making, institutions can improve service delivery. They can target interventions and mobilise resources. Institutions can also refer survivors to programmes focused on economic empowerment, education, and resilience.

Healing is a long process — one that extends beyond immediate care. It requires consistent support, trust, and opportunities for reintegration. By investing in systems like eGov, stakeholders can tackle urgent needs. They also contribute to the foundations of a more fair, inclusive, and resilient society.