Women Need Help in the Congo
According to a New York Times article, 600 women were recently held in dungeon-like structures along the Congo – Angola border during a mass expulsion of illegal immigrants and gang raped by security forces. United Nations officials are reporting that at least one woman has died from internal injuries caused by the attacks. Gang rape has become an epidemic in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo where people continue to struggle following the most deadly war since WWII. 5.4 million people have been killed since 1998; and the United Nations calls the nation the worst place in the world for sexual violence according to the article linked above. With an estimated 30% of the population in Eastern Congo infected with HIV, the potential consequences for victims extend well beyond shame, anger, and initial physical injury. Quite simply, the Congo is one of the worst countries in the world for women to live in.
The following organizations are working to help women in these regions in a variety of ways; and there are ways for you to get involved also! I encourage you to make a simple donation to the organization of your choice. Or, if you want to play a more active role, there are opportunities for that as well.
Women for Women International is an organization that provides opportunities for charitable sponsorship of women in a variety of war torn nations including The Democratic Republic of the Congo. Sponsorship, which entails a monthly donation amount, provides one woman with job training and human rights education, which allows her to educate other women in her community. This education gives women the tools to stand up and fight for their rights in nations where those rights have been eroded. One time donations are also accepted.
Also, if you live in Washington D.C., the organization has volunteer opportunities in their offices. They also offer a host of internship opportunities.
Run for Congo Women has raised over $700,000 since 2005 for the Women for Women International sponsorship program. Visit the website to learn how to build a racing team and raise funds in conjunction with an upcoming 5K or 10K race in your city.
The International Rescue Committee is committed to ensuring that women and girls who have been victims of the sexual assault epidemic in The Congo have access to critical care. Donations help provide support in the form of health care, clean water, education and other aid for survivors of sexual violence.
Oxfam International, an organization based in Great Britain, works in Eastern Congo with communities that are hosting tens of thousands of displaced people. They focus on providing clean water and sanitation facilities that help prevent the spread of diseases. They accept donations and offer a plethora of more active volunteer opportunities to those of you located in Great Britain.
