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/ .

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

Flipanthropy Events

Flipanthropy was founded in 2007 by Renee Foutz and Sandra Uihlein and was inspired by their desire and obligation to devote more of their time, money, and resources to women in the world lacking the basic necessities in life: food, shelter, safety, and education. By selling unique and creative flip-flops, they have raised funds and awareness to support Women for Women International and Room to Read.

If you are in the Milwaukee area, they have two events coming up! Please contact info@flipanthropy for more information!

April 12, 2008
Flipanthropy KidFlips Launch Party
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
1111 E. Brown Deer Road
Noon-3:00 Open House

Live music, arts and crafts, airbrush tattoos by Tiki Hut Airbrush Tattoos, Flipanthropy merchandise, take home goody bags for kids, and miles of beautiful hiking trails at the nature center. All proceeds benefit Women for Women International and Room to Read. For more information please contact: info@flipanthropy.org

April 24, 2008
Roots for the Congo
Roots Restaurant and Cellar and Flipanthropy, Inc join together to host an inspired evening benefiting Women For Women International

5pm-midnight
Roots Cellar
1818 Hubbard St.
Milwaukee, WI

Free food, wine and beer provided by Roots Restaurant, live music by Tyler Traband and John Simons, New Flipanthropy Womens Flip flops (including the NEW WFW FLIP!), KidFlips, other Flipanthropy merchandise as well as Roots for the Congo tees and tanks. There will be prize give aways and $10 gift certificate to Roots Restaurant for all who attend. For more information please contact: info@flipanthropy.org

Weavers of Nations

Mary Anne Titus, a Women for Women International sponsor from Westerville, OH held an art exhibit to raise awareness of women survivors of war. The night was spectacular full of people enjoying the beautiful art pieces, many inspired by the women we serve. Mary was able to hand out brochures and encourage people to support our program and get involved. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of these pieces will benefit Women for Women International.

Thanks Mary!