The Greatest Silence

I watched this movie last night.  Filmmaker (and rape survivor) Lisa F. Jackson documents the brutal treatment of women in the Congo.  I still feel totally in shock.  These women, so many women, have been kidnapped, raped and mutilated by foreign militia and the Congolese army for years.  While I was watching the film, I felt completely overtaken with the need to DO SOMETHING, anything to help.

I remember, years ago now, reading about Catherine Hamlin, who with her husband set up a hospital for fistula victims in Africa.  I was incredibly moved by her selflessness and devotion to this cause.  I was floored when I saw how these woman were suffering and how they were systematically denied by their husbands, families, and society.  At that point in time I was too depleted myself to feel that I could do anything, but it all seems to come back around, doesn't it?  Now I feel ready.

I contacted the Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo (where victims of sexual violence are taken care of, operated on, and rehabilitated) about what I, someone with very limited resources, could do for them.  I listed my skills and my desire to be of any assistance.  I hope it's enough to help.  I hope I hear back from them.

My thoughts are that I can start a quilting circle to make quilts to sell, or figure someway to fundraise with whatever skills I may have.  It seems too small, somehow.  I'm embarrased to say that I have never really spearheaded any effort to try to help someone I don't know.  Do any of you have advice?

Comments

[Lorajean]

I wonder if making blankets for victims would be comforting in some capacity? I don't know if congolese women need blankets, but if they did it would be easy to put together patch work blankets with recycle clothes or something of that nature. Just an idea

[chanin]

I think you are doing the right thing already by having the intention and having contacted someone about the next step. It seems that a community of people by your side could make a big difference! Especially a community of makers. As a crafter or maker one hopes to inspire and encourage more creativity. Maybe by offering homemade quilts, toys, anything, you will touch women who have the creative bug and can't seem to shake the bad stuff enough to ignite it. I'll be right along side of you, for sure.