Rape and gender-based violence is an issue that affects girls and women around the world. It happens in families of privilege as well as those in poverty. It occurs on university campuses, in armed forces and in offices of all kinds. It is an issue that cuts across all sectors of society, all religious groups, and all socio-economic levels. One in three women on the planet will be raped or beaten in her lifetime (onebillionrising.org). Rape directly opposes the beliefs of all major religions that claim that God is the author of life, and of all Created beings. It says, in effect, that women do not matter.
We believe that message to be fundamentally wrong, and destructive of human beings, especially of those who bring new life into the world. That is why we, HEAL Africa, have joined in the One Billion Rising Movement . On February 14th, 2013 we will strike, dance, and rise in our community; in partnership and support with women and girls all over the world and the men who stand up in the fight against rape and violence.
We urge you to join the movement with us! Visit onebillionrising.org, watch the video and share with your friends, family and community.
You have supported our efforts to HEAL the victims of gender based violence in Congo and empower them to stand up against the systems that leave them vulnerable to rape. Please join us in demanding an end to the violence.