Silent War~~

There is a silent war going on. It is a woman’s war~ it is time to hear the stories.

Your nationality does not matter, your religion ~or lack of one~ has no bearing, nor does your age, your social status, your education, your skills. Simply being a woman can allow others to turn you into an instrument of war and terror .With luck, hard work and help a woman can become a seed for change.

THE COUNTRIES: Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Columbia, DR Congo, Iraq, Kosovo, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan…the list grows.

THE WEAPONS: Mutilations, starvation, fear of STDS, AIDS, gang rape, public humiliation, social stigma. During many rapes, the use of force is so great the women lose control of their bodily functions~ things one cannot imagine and I can not print here, are done to women. Some consider that the lucky ones die.

THE AGES: they range from as young as three years old to 75 years of age.

THE MADNESS BEHIND THE METHOD: These brutal acts are specifically designed to destroy families, communities and the individual mental. spiritual and physical health of each survivor.

“Women for Women International’s work begins when the basic human needs of women are still very great, but the seed of stability can be sown. Our work bridges a critical gap between humanitarian aid and long-term development and reconstruction. We are the only organization solely dedicated to women’s development needs that operates in the heart of conflict -afflicted areas in countries such as DR Congo and Iraq. Yet, our long term commitment in post-conflict countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina and Rwanda is critical when emergency relief agencies, the media and public attention have long since moved to focus on the next crisis.”

“It is essential that we pat attention to what women go through as they live through war and nations are rebuilt. We often see women in grassroots communities as victims, but they are the true active participants in rebuilding their nations. The women we serve are the unseen warriors for humanity. Their weapons are not guns but guts. If we can stabilize women, we can stabilize nations.”

“Women for Women, International has learned through 14 years serving socially excluded women in conflict and post conflict areas that engaging women is the most effective avenue toward creating lasting change and stability.”

“Stronger Women build Stronger Nations”

Forget Hollywood and “outrage” at pretend violence~ here are some hard cold truths. As of WWII, there have been some 250 major wars, resulting in 23 million casualties. A century ago, some 90% these deaths were males ~ now 90% are civilians with women and children making up 75%.

Women the targets of rape as a tool of war often lose male family members to the fighting; they often are forced to leave their homes and their children. Some with little or no skills are thrust into the role of provider, sometimes in communities that do not value them.

Woman for Women International use’s a multi-faceted approach to address the unique needs of women in conflict zones. Participants enter a one-year program and begin the journey from victim to survivor and community leader. The basic needs are met first~ food, water .medical attention, these by direct financial aid. Perhaps most importantly the women can tell their stories to other women who literally become a lifeline. As recovery and rehabilitation continue, opportunities for education, learning how to be leaders, rights awareness, vocational and technical skills are presented. Windows open as each woman begins to see she can improve her own freedoms and status, but also become a role model for others. Because earning a living leads to independence, they are taught traditional and non- traditional job skills. Building on this foundation the women are offered comprehensive business services, and access to capitol so they can begin their own enterprises.

For $27 dollars a month a woman can be sponsored~ 79% goes directly to fund the women and the programs outlined here. I urge you to go to http://www.womenforwomen.org/programs.htm a mountain of information is there. They also accept donations.

In the United States if you or someone you know has been a victim or survivor of violence call:

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233

National Victim Center 1-800-FYI_CALL (394-2255)

Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) 1-800-656-HOPE

Locally call:

Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault 322-0931 Counseling Center 1921 19^th street

HOTLINE: 327-1091

Or Nationally 1-800-273-7713

The other side of war, the other side of violence…hear the story.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Crossposted at Deep Thoughts.

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