Sylvia Rubuye: From Goma to the Global Stage, Advocating for Justice and Health in the DRC
Written by Maxine Ansah
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Sylvia Rubuye is a powerful voice in the fight for public health and human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As a passionate advocate for vulnerable communities, particularly those in East Congo, Sylvia’s mission is driven by her personal connection to her homeland. Born in Goma and raised in Kinshasa, Sylvia’s journey into advocacy has been shaped by the deep scars left by the ongoing conflict in her country—a conflict she has never known to end in her lifetime.
Goma, where Sylvia was born, is a city marked by unimaginable pain, often referred to as the “rape city” due to the epidemic of sexual violence that has plagued the region for decades. At its peak, it was estimated that 48 women were raped every hour in Goma alone. The ongoing crisis in the DRC, a conflict that has lasted over 30 years, has devastated the population, especially women, whose bodies have become battlegrounds in a war that is largely invisible to the international community.
As Sylvia explains, the focus of her advocacy is clear: public health and access to healthcare for those most affected by the violence and instability in the region. For Sylvia, this is not just a professional commitment, but a deeply personal cause. “I am a woman, and this crisis is directly targeting the women of Congo,” she shares. “I understand the importance of advocacy, justice, and being a voice for those who are voiceless. That’s why I decided to dedicate my life to this cause.”
Her advocacy is not confined to the borders of the DRC. Sylvia believes in the power of global partnership to drive sustainable change. “Development is all about collaboration,” she explains. “Congo is the heart of Africa, and everything that happens there is connected to the entire world. We are the number one supplier of cobalt, copper, and other resources. Our phones, technology, cars—everything comes from Congo. Yet, despite giving so much to the world, Congo and its people have been left behind, struggling for justice and recognition.”
At The Voice of Africa’s Diaspora Connect Room at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center, Sylvia was one of the key vendors advocating for the DRC, sharing her message with attendees and urging them to take action. She emphasizes the need for the African diaspora to recognize the global interconnectedness of the DRC’s struggles and the impact they can have in addressing the crisis.
Sylvia is also deeply involved with several organizations that are working on the ground to make a difference. She collaborates with Friends of the Congo, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the issues facing the DRC. She also serves as a youth ambassador for the Panzi Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting victims of sexual violence and empowering women in the region. Founded by Dr. Denis Mukwege, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the Panzi Foundation plays a crucial role in providing medical care and support to survivors of sexual violence.
One of the most alarming statistics that Sylvia often highlights is the widespread sexual violence faced by Congolese women. “We have women as young as four months old and as old as 96 being raped,” Sylvia shares. “It’s unimaginable. But we also need to recognize that these women are not just victims—they are survivors. They are powerful, and they are strong. They are the backbone of this country, and it’s time we start listening to them and empowering them.”
In addition to her work with grassroots organizations, Sylvia has taken her advocacy to global platforms. From April 15 to 17, 2025, she participated in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. There, she shared a powerful message about the complex stories and voices of the Congolese people—stories that are often silenced. In her address, she spoke of the dreams, pain, and resilience of Congolese women, whose strength and determination continue to shine even in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Sylvia’s participation in the ECOSOC Youth Forum was a pivotal moment for her advocacy, as she connected with international leaders and organizations who are in positions to make real change. “This is a crisis that affects us all,” Sylvia says. “It’s not just a Congolese problem; it’s a global problem. Congo is rich in resources that fuel the world’s technology, yet its people remain in poverty and suffering. This needs to change, and the global community has a role to play.”
In the Diaspora Connect Room, Sylvia was joined by other influential figures working to shift the narrative of the DRC and empower the next generation of leaders. One such figure is Musangu Bukasa, the founder of BridgeTheGapDRC, an organization dedicated to waking up the diaspora and fostering connections to bring lasting change to Congo. Sylvia admires Musangu’s leadership and the work of BridgeTheGapDRC, recognizing that organizations like these are crucial in bridging the divide and raising awareness about Congo’s struggles on the global stage.
Sylvia’s message to the diaspora is clear: “Things are in our own hands.” She urges people to take action, be the change they want to see, and support initiatives that are making a real difference. “We can’t always wait for governments or politicians to act,” she says. “As individuals, we have the power to create change. We have young people building organizations, taking matters into their own hands, and leading the way.”
Her advocacy and tireless work are a beacon of hope for the people of the DRC. Sylvia Rubuye is not just amplifying the voices of the voiceless; she is creating a movement that empowers survivors, builds bridges, and fights for a more just and sustainable future for the DRC and beyond.
