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| Democratic Republic of the Congo – Universal Children’s Day: a story |
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo the situation of women is not particularly safeguarded nor appreciated. The recent “Mapping” Report of the United Nations on human rights in the country published on 1 October 2010, states at n° 630: “Between 1993 and 2003, sexual violence was a daily experience which afflicted the Congolese”. Unfortunately since 2003 not much has changed.
Discrimination against women and their exploitation is found in many areas: often obstacles are placed against studies; in the work- place women are not given an opportunity to care for their children; sometimes even in the families they experience situations of exclusion, and they have to manage their households without the minimal contribution from their husbands.
Congolese women however, have not given up the fight and their response of resistance and hope is exemplary. In Bukavu, in October 2010, during the World March of Women, they said they no longer intend to be the victims of rape, but rather launched the slogan: “Victims yesterday, alive today, leaders tomorrow.”
In their efforts to re-claim their human rights they are not alone .The Don Bosco “Ngangi” Centre in Goma has been created and developed to be at the service of poor youngsters. But in the current situation of war, natural disasters and endemic poverty it is turning to other people who are suffering, including mothers and women in difficulty.
Many widows have found accommodation in the centre and they have the opportunity to acquire a home by working within the centre The personnel of the centre frequently bring the woman together and give them basic education in health care, nutrition, the prevention of sickness and suggestions about their taking their part in political life… everything that will be useful to them so that the mothers become more and more responsible for their own lives and their own homes.
In addition to teaching them to read and write and to do sums, the school teaches the women various forms of handicrafts (stitching and sewing, embroidery, making t-shirts, purses and rugs...). And to help the mothers a simple mini-credit banking system has been set up: after some initial training the women in need receive a sum of money (between 50 and 300 $) with which they can create a small cooperative to enable them to start a small business (selling things, raising cattle, crops).
In the difficult situations in which they are living the women of Goma show courage, perseverance and an ability to experience suffering on behalf of their children and often also a commitment to the Church. The Don Bosco Centre has been and will continue to be at their side.
Published 24/05/2011
