Tragic past of war and abuse turns to hopeful future of dignity and success

WORKING with women who have lost everything in the conflict and have nowhere to turn, an NGO in the eastern Congo is making the difference and turning tragic tales into hopeful futures.

Women for Women International (WfWI) has operated in the war-ravaged region since 2004. Women are turning from being sexually attacked victims into courageous advocates of people’s rights, driving morale change within communities and encouraging independence for females in some of the poorest areas. Acting charity leader Leon Pascal Nkundwa said: “It’s all about giving them dignity after they’ve been suppressed, a skill, training, so they can fend for themselves.”

Around 1,000 women were trained last year in areas of heavy fighting, while another 1,000 have enrolled in the NGO’s courses so far this year.

To prevent women being stigmatised when they join the charity, group enrolments are held in villages or town centres. Some 50% of women in its courses are victims of rape and sexual violence.

“It’s important they are integrated. In the programme, they then reveal what happened to themselves and we try to detraumatise them,” added Mr Nkundwa.

Women are supported by a sponsorship programme where direct financial aid from a sponsor helps them try to overcome the immediate effects of a conflict. Participants are sponsored to the tune of $10 a month, enough in the Congo to keep them from starving and to carry out small amounts of business.

The NGO also encourages local men to understand women’s rights, as well as recognise the implications of rape.

Women exchange letters with their sponsor, usually donors from western countries. As their lives become more stable, they are encouraged and trained to start up their own businesses. Skills taught include educating recovering victims about micro-business, where funds, products and access to materials can see them become their own bosses. Once a course is completed, women receive $60 to start their own business.

Crucial training on leadership, rights awareness and the role of women in society is provided. After the year, victims-turned-entrepreneurs are usually keen to take the next step.

Mr Nkundwa added: “Women often join funds when finished and set up a common business like soap-making, bag-making, a kitchen, a bakery or a weaving business.”

This project was funded by the Simon Cumbers' Media Challenge Fund, supported by Irish Aid.