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The above image Fauset Photography did NOT take. http://allisonkilkenny.com/2009/02/the-invisible-war/
This past Saturday I had the opportunity to photograph one of the most amazing events I ever been a part of, Yoga for Congo. The lovely Ann who came all the way from Colorado teamed up with Utah for Congo to lead this amazing, life changing yoga class. I can’t tell you what a good experience it was. I cried for most of the class. Out of gratitude, sadness, horror and joy that I could help some of these women in the Congo. During the class Ann not only led a perfect yoga class but told about the horrific circumstances facing the Congolese women at this very moment. If you, for one minute want to help someone else, someone who NEEDS you, who wants only to have a chance in this world, please consider putting your efforts here.
Please Please take a minute and read about the Congo after you see the images from the class. 🙂 And consider joining us for the Run for Congo Women on June 11th at Wheeler Farm, you can preregister here.
Wheeler Farm- JUNE 11th
6351 South 900 East (Salt Lake)
Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.; the 5K begins at 9:00 a.m.
The conflict in the Congo is the most deadly in the world, but that does not begin to describe the atrocities. Women are being used as weapons of war, and the realities of daily life for them are appalling: gang rape, torture, and being forced to watch as husbands and children are murdered. Look into your heart…
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Why Congo? Why help?
The conflict in the Congo is the most deadly in the world, but that does not begin to describe the atrocities. Women are being used as weapons of war, and the realities of daily life for them are appalling: gang rape, torture, and being forced to watch as husbands and children are murdered.
Is there hope? Yes. But to help, it is useful to understand what is happening.
Here are some basic facts:
The war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo began with the Rwandan genocide.It is the deadliest war since WWII, and also the most ignored.Nearly 7 million dead, with 45,000 more continuing to die each month.Innocent women are used as weapons in this war: warring militias compete to be the most brutal, and thus the most feared.6 out of 10 children die before the age of 5
Thousands of women (ranging from ages 3-80) are gang raped each month.
Women are forced to watch as family members are kidnapped and killed.
According to public health researcher Amber Peterman, it is estimated that 1152 women are raped in the DRC every day. That’s four, every 5 minutes. That means that there are already over three million rapes in the Congo.
Yes, this is happening RIGHT NOW.
YOU can do something about it.
(Fauset Photography did NOT take the above image)
The women sponsored will enter a one-year program through Women for Women, which will include rights awareness training, literacy and skills training, food, medicine, and clothing, as well as emotional assistance to recover and heal from the atrocities they have experienced. Upon completion of the program, they will receive seed money to begin their own small businesses, so that they may continue to sustain themselves and their families. This program could literally change and save their lives, and the lives of their children. To learn more about the program that Women for Women provides for these women, visit the Women for Women website.
