I am currently fundraising for Women for Women International's 10K Run for Congo Women taking place on July 3rd, 2011. 

 

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) presents one of the world's deadliest emergencies to date. More than 5.4 million people have died since 1998. The death toll is the equivalent to an Asian Tsunami every 6.5 months; a September 11th every 2.5 days.

 

This conflict has particularly affected women and girls as they are systematically raped as a combat strategy to terrorise and humiliate. Tens-of-thousands of women and girls have experienced sexual violence - some raped whilst on the way to school, others while fetching water, and many are kept as sex slaves for soldiers. The situation is so extreme that Margot Wallström, the UN’s special representative on sexual violence in conflict, has recently called DR Congo the “rape capital of the world.”

 

Women for Women International has been working in Congo since 2003 helping women survivors of war. We offer skills training, trauma counselling, microcredit loans. WfWI programmes make a huge difference in helping women earn an income, support their families, and help rebuild their societies. Indeed, women who have participated in WfWI programmes on average earn 50 percent more than women who have not and are three times as likely to vote and participate in community activities.

 

Out of 100 women in DR Congo

·                40 are displaced

·                75 do not own a mattress

·                40 never attended school

·                50 eat only one meal per day

·                75 earn $1 or less per day

·                80 are from villages that have been attacked

·                50 of their spouses left because of war 

 

Donating through this JustGiving page is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. 

 

Your support is greatly appreciated!