The Power of Women

A Doctor's Journey of Hope and Healing

By: Denis Mukwege

Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman

Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

From Nobel laureate, world-renowned doctor, and noted human rights activist Dr. Denis Mukwege comes an inspiring clarion call-to-action to confront the scourge of sexual violence and better learn from women's resilience, strength, and power.

At the heart of Dr. Mukwege’s message will be the voices of the many women he has worked with over the years. Dr. Mukwege will use individual cases to reassure all survivors that, even if their psychological wounds may never fully heal, they can recover and thrive with the right care and support.

Dr. Mukwege’s dramatic personal story is interwoven throughout as he explores the bigger issues that have become a focus of his advocacy. He will seek to explain why sexual violence is so often overlooked during war, and how governments need to recognize and compensate victims. He will also stress the importance of breaking down the taboos surrounding assault and the necessity of building a system that supports women who come forward.

His words advocate for saying "no" to indifference and he asks listeners to reckon with the West’s involvement in perpetuating sexual violence in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, and to confront the abuse taking place in their own communities.

Sexual violence does not occur in a vacuum. The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has raged for over 20 years and has claimed an estimated five million lives, is inseparable from Western patriarchy and economic colonization. And this cycle of violence and spoils is not limited to Congo. Dr. Mukwege’s work has led him to South Korea, Latin America, the Middle East, and elsewhere in Africa, where he has found striking similarities in women’s testimonies.

The truth is, through the intricate ties of the global economy, we are all implicated in violence against women - whether it occurs amidst the fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo or on college campuses in the West. And Dr. Mukwege’s writing will address men as well, encouraging and guiding them to become allies in the fight against sexual abuse, in war and in peace.

Building more inclusive, gender-balanced societies will require developing what he calls “positive masculinity” - a systemic change in male behavior and attitudes toward women. Dr. Mukwege hopes to inspire other men to speak out and join the struggle, rather than leaving women to fight the battle alone. He will also make the case, drawing from his experience and a wealth of research on the topic, that when women are involved as economic and political decision makers, all of society benefits.

The Power of Women will illuminate the enduring strength of women in the face of violence and trauma, and give hope for the potential of individuals to turn the tide.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

©2021 Denis Mukwege (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

2021, Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year

“There are real heroes out there. There’s Denis Mukwege.” (Michaela Coel, creator of I May Destroy You and author of Misfits)

"The book we all need to be paying attention to now. The voices of women in Eastern Congo reverberate throughout Dr. Mukwege's moving account of the causes and consequences of sexual violence. Weaving together their stories with accounts from across the world, he calls on us all to emulate the strength of women for the sake of the world." (Emma Watson, actor and activist)

beautifully written and read

I loved this book so much. The writing is top notch, and the performance matched it well. There is much matter-of-fact discussion of sexual violence in this book because of the nature of Dr Mukwege's work and advocacy, but the gravity of such violence is never downplayed--solving it is, in fact, Dr Mukwege's life goal. This is such a beautiful and important book that I highly recommend.

Review on The Power of Women

This book was a true eye opener as to the tragedies and suffering that women have gone through. A special thanks to Dr. Mukwege for his dedication to share the actual stories of these courageous women demonstrating they are pillars of strength and survival. Dr. Mukwege provided a snapshot of the men who has inflicted terrible harm to these beautiful women. My prayers are with Dr. Mukwege and his family. This book is a must read and thanks to Oprah Winfrey for putting it on her book club list.

Powerful and Inspiring Listen

I purchased this book intended as a passive listening experience, and ended it inspired to help women become empowered for the benefit of all. I wish to thank Dr. Mukwege, immensely, for writing it. Another huge thanks for the courage to carry on in his work and campaigning.
The narrator’s voice is also enjoyable to listen to. This is one major aspect that drew me to purchase it. Very well narrated.

Off-the-charts public service, courage & grit

Indescribably powerful account of human resilience and truest public service in the face of oppression, national and international neglect, overwhelming devastation and personal danger.

Heartbreaking

This author has done an amazing work for women, he deserves his Nobel prize. Very hard to read about the violence against women but unfortunately it is the truth still today

Timely and imperative

Where do I even start with a man who has performed over 60,000 surgeries due to sexual violence? I have no words to meet his level of heroism, bravery, and intellect.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Dr. Mukwege, for a life devoted to healing individuals, communities and generations. You are the light in the darkness, and I look to you and all the women you have treated to find my reserves of strength and resilience.