So tonight I attended a fundraiser for female victims of war in the Congo. The event was organized by the African Youth League (AYL), group of Africans who go to OSU. I am a proud member. It was a nice experience because we were able to give our guests a clearer idea of what happens in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
There is a war going on in Congo. Officially, it ended in 2003, but there are still frequent clashes between the government’s soldiers and the rebel movements. Rape is used as a military strategy by soldiers on both sides. When women are raped, they are usually shunned by their communities and are forced to live as outcasts. Also, the trauma they go through prevents them from contributing actively in the society. It may also stop them from reproducing. HIV/AIDS and other STI’s are rampant because of the rape. Although in most cases women are raped, men are also raped because men who have been raped are less likely to fight or rebel. They are psychologically handicapped by the act.
The African Youth League is trying to give these women hope. By partnering with the Women for Women organization, all the money raised tonight will go to helping the victims of rape set up microbusinesses. This way, they can slowly regain confidence in themselves while learning how to be more economical. They can also help their communities because the businesses they set up will help to inject more cash into the area, as well as keep people employed. I believe that this is one cause that this truly important, and one that we should try and support anyway we can.
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