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UNICEF today launched 'Turning Pain to Power' tour in partnership with V-Day's joint campaign to expose the devastating impact of rape on Congolese women. Executive Director Ann M. Veneman said UNICEF was proud to partner with Eve Ensler, Playwright and Founder of V-Day; and Dr. Denis Mukwege, Director and Founder of Panzi General Referral Hospital and winner of The United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights for 2008.

"There are thousands of girls where rape is continually used as a weapon of war, " she said.

The campaign is seeking to expose the devastating impact of rape on Congolese women’s health, their families and communities. Ensler and Mukwege called for specific measures to end impunity for perpetrators. UNICEF underscored that economically and socially empowering women and girls will lead in the prevention of sexual violence and greatly advance in the rebuilding of a country devastated by ongoing conflict.