Summit to End Sexual Violence 2014

HEAL Africa Joins the Dialogue

Dr. Jo Lusi (speaking with microphone) participated in a panel discussion.

This past June, HEAL Africa participated in the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, held in London. With over 100 countries and 900 experts, HEAL Africa joined other NGOs, survivors, faith leaders, and international organizations from around the world to share in their commitment to end sexual violence in conflict.

The initiative to End Sexual Violence in Conflict works to:

1. Shatter the culture of impunity for sexual violence by launching International
Protocols that will strengthen the prosecutions for rape and increase the prospects for
convictions of perpetrators.

2. Take practical steps to reduce the dangers faced by women in conflict zones around
the world by training soldiers and peacekeepers not only to understand, but how to
prevent and protect people.

3. Change the attitude of rape as an inevitable consequence of war and thus considered
as a lesser crime, by condemning warzone sexual violence; and to recognize the cycles of conflict it creates and the role it has to end it.

4. Strengthen international efforts and coordination to prevent and respond to sexual
violence; and by supporting states to build their national capacity.

The June 2014 Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict was the biggest meeting on the issue to date. The event was co-chaired by Angelina Jolie, Special Envoy for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and UK Foreign Secretary, William Hague.

HEAL Africa-DRC's Program Manager, William Bonane, poses for a quick photo at the HEAL Africa booth.

STAFF HIGHLIGHT

If you ever come to visit HEAL Africa in Goma, there is a high chance you will be greeted by Deo, one of HEAL Africa's dedicated drivers.

Read Deo's story.

HEAL Africa USA and DOCS USA Merge

Medical education is critical to improving the health care of the people in Eastern Congo. The merger of DOCS and HEAL Africa strengthens the Family Medicine Residency Program. Read more...

NEW

Website Coming Soon!

HEAL Africa is working on updating the current website. Our address will be the same but we hope that a new layout will enhance user experience. Stay tuned!

WORDS FROM CAL

One cannot be on the HEAL Africa compound for very long without recognizing the power of music. Read here...

WOMEN RECEIVE NEW START
THROUGH HEALING ARTS PROGRAM

During the celebration ceremony, women perform skits to tell their stories.

Sexual violence and orphaned children were among many of the consequences of war in eastern DRC. But after a six-month training, thirty-seven women, many of whom have been rejected by their communities due to their experiences, gathered in solidarity to celebrate a new start to their lives. During the training, the women learned various skill sets such as sewing, pottery, starting a business, and how to manage their finances. In addition to skill building HEAL Africa's imperative is to assist women in the healing process, by offering psychological assistance and other counseling needs after their trauma.

Healing Arts is a significant component of HEAL Africa's programs. Because many of the women who come to the program are without assistance from family or friends, HEAL Africa facilitates the formation of solidarity groups among the women and assists in reintegrating them back into the community. At the end of the training HEAL Africa provides a small micro-finance assistance of approximately $50, and either a sewing machine or animals (a rabbit or chicken) to begin their business. This small investment helps to provide some of the capital needed to grow their small business. The women are extremely grateful.

"I could not overlook this opportunity and now I am able to work and ensure the survival of my children," Mrs. MASIKA FAIDA said after the celebration. And in a song the women composed for the certificate ceremony, "We say thank you to HEAL Africa for taking us and giving us a new start long after the loss of hope."

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