Restored - Ending Violence Against Women

Mandy Marshall / 10:22 / 23 Aug 10

The New York Times reported that in one weekend at least 150 women were raped in a community of villages in eastern DRC. http://tinyurl.com/2u32mbw

 At Restored one of the key questions we want to answer is 'what will it take for to stop a man raping a woman in the DRC?'.

There are no easy answers. The situation in the DRC is complex, messy, fraught with danger and unresolved conflict. The UN recently changed its mandate to one of focusing more on peace-building yet these reports cause me to question whether an effective protection framework is in place to start to move forward. And should one proceed the other or can both happen in parallel?

One thing I am clear about. It is unacceptable. That is a very British understatement. It is an outrage. It is a scandal. It breaks my heart. It breaks God's heart. It no doubt breaks your heart. The situation needs more global focus, attention, resources, leadership, and so many of our prayers & action. The church needs our support in taking action.

Heal Africa, founder member of Restored, is working in Goma and surrounding areas to rebuild the lives of women affected by the conflict in this way. God's work in the midst of evil. Please pray for the staff and volunteers of Heal Africa and give thanks for the restored hope that they bring.

We need to do more. What can you do? Pray, write to your government asking what they are doing to bring this situation to an end, get your church to pray, raise awareness, support organisations like Heal Africa.

The conflict will not be resolved overnight. It needs our commitment for the long term. What will you do?

TOPICS: Churches, For corporate members, Men, Peer groups, Women, Youth
LOCALITY: Africa