Ongoing conflict between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda has exacerbated gender based violence cases in the DRC. The most recent ceasefire from July to August 2024 initiated peace agreements between Rwanda, DRC, and M23, a Rwanda-backed group in the Congo. However, M23 has captured the city of Goma and is pushing deeper into the DRC despite international calls for ceasefire. With more than 800,000 people already living in displacement camps in Goma, conditions worsen for women in the Congo. Permanent ceasefire must be implemented in order to provide security for women in the region.

Bangladesh’s history since independence in 1971 has changed the global sphere. United by one language, Bangla, Bangladesh serves as a story of a people’s self-determination, but also persistence of the long-term fight for democracy. Despite Sheikh Mujibur Rahman being revered as the “Father of Nation,” his enactment of a quota system became the trigger to a long standing struggle of human rights violations facilitated by his daughter, the longest serving Prime Minister in Bangladesh. From July to August 2024, the protests led by university students led a mass movement to dethrone an authoritarian government in favor of democracy and human rights.