Week 19 was suggested to me by my mother months ago. When researching this organization again, I came across this recent PBS Video featuring Heal Africa. (also embedded below) It's a touching summary of the work they do in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The correspondent for the article, Fred De Sam Lazaro summed it up, "The United Nations says the Democratic Republic of Congo is the worst place on earth for women." Years of conflict over the country's rich mineral resources has produced a complete collapse of government, law, public health infrastructure and widespread rape, torture and sexual mutilation of women.
Heal Africa strives to combat these horrific conditions by providing 31 safe houses for women throughout the region, as well as one of only three referring hospitals in the region. They provide general surgery, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology (including fistula repair), pediatrics, and internal medicine. Damaging a woman's body as a regular means of control over women is one of the most socially destructive practices in the world. Organizations that can help heal and empower these women are critical to any success the region will ever have.
The word HEAL is an acronym created by Dr. Jo Lusi and his wife Lyn Lusi, founders of Heal Africa. It stands for Health, Education, Action, and Leadership. Each crucial components to the holistic view the organization takes on supporting the people of the Congo. Lyn Lusi died of cancer this past March and will clearly be missed by thousands of women in the Congo whom she has helped.
I love watching the women dance in this video. Having the freedom to simply dance off your worries is one most of us take for granted. These women can dance and be truly free only behind the walls of a safe house. That is truly something to think about. When societies become unequal with regards to gender, only chaos ensues and a society cannot heal until the roles are once again equalized.
My donation will be matched 100% by my company. For more information or to donate, please visit the Heal Africa website.
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