The Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation is an international human rights organisation working together with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence from around the world. Drawing attention to the most shameful crimes committed during conflicts, the Foundation envisions a world in which sexual violence as a weapon of war is no longer tolerated. 

Together with its special adviser, the Congolese gynaecologist and women’s rights activist Dr Denis Mukwege, the Foundation works for a future where survivors worldwide receive the holistic care they need and obtain reparations; where they have the freedom to speak out and organise globally to end wartime sexual violence.

Dr Denis Mukwege founded Panzi Hospital in 1999 as a maternity hospital for the surrounding community. However, as the conflict progressed and more victims of sexual violence sought care at Panzi Hospital the focus of the hospital shifted to providing medical care to survivors of sexual violence.

In 2008, Panzi Foundation DRC was created to support the hospital and ensure the provision of other services, such as legal assistance, psycho-social support and socio-economic programmes. Together, Panzi Hospital and Foundation offer a holistic model of care for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

The Mukwege Foundation closely collaborates with Panzi Hospital and Foundation. Together with the team in DRC, The Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation promotes the holistic model of care worldwide. The goal is to use the outstanding expertise of Panzi DRC in working with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence to extend best-practices to other conflict-affected countries.