Congo/Women Photography Exhibit

Photos by Lynsey Addario and Ron Haviv

Photography is a powerful way to create a statement.

In the international Congo/Women exhibition, photojournalists Lynsey Addario, Marcus Bleasdale, Ron Haviv, and James Nachtwey document the incessant violence inflicted on women and children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The photographs on large fabric panels are accompanied by essays that further illustrate the daily reality of assault and violence of Congolese women.

The exhibition, produced by ArtWorks, was designed to raise media awareness and mobilize support for these women and children in the Congo, with the ultimate goal of ending these abuses and violence. The exhibition illustrates the courage and resilience of these individuals who have endured and survived countless acts of brutality.

The Congo/Women project will open at Columbia College Chicago, 1006 S. Michigan Avenue from February 5 through February 14, 2009. The event is free and open to the public.

In early March, the exhibition will move to Washington D.C. and then to New York City, with later dates scheduled across North America, Europe, and Africa.

For information on the Congo/Women project and future sites and dates see their website at http://congowomen.org/ .

Brighton Peace Campaign

Brighton Collectibles launched their Peace Campaign on January 16^th. Brighton believes that “a world at peace is a dream that can come true…one step at a time…one action at a time.” They have created a limited edition Dream Peace bracelet. With every bracelet purchased, Brighton will donate $10 to Women for Women or to one of three other charitable organizations.

All Brighton Collectibles Stores are featuring the bracelet from January 16^th to February 14^th. Click here for store locations.

Don’t live near a Brighton Store? Just call (631-724-0836) and they’ll ship a bracelet to you with no shipping costs.

Walk for Congolese Women

In an effort to raise awareness and support for female victims of violence and assault in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr. Yaka Kumungi and the African Center of Michigan took action in their community in Grand Rapids. Mr. Kumungi organized an event that brought over 200 women and men from the community together for a walking tour, special presentations, and traditional African music and dance.

 

Participants in the Walk for Congolese Women walked up to 6 miles! For those who weren’t up to the 6 mile trek, there were presentations by local community leaders from the YWCA and local churches. Chairperson for Congolese Women Jeannette Kabanda also spoke about her experience as a witness to violence in the Congo. The day ended on a celebratory note with traditional African music and dance.

Thank you to Mr. Kamungi, The Calvin Christian Reformed Church, African Community Church, YWCA, and Kent County Sexual Assault Prevention Action team for your generosity, hard work and support of Women for Women International!

 

Community events are essential in order to spread awareness and mobilize support for women in need across the globe. To find out more about hosting your own event click here.

Supporters walk for Congolese Women on August 23, 2008