Friends of the Congo works with women in rural Congo. It is widely reported that the quarter century-long conflict has been fought on the backs and bellies of Congolese women. Hundreds of thousands of women have been systematically raped as a weapon of war. Congolese women face herculean challenges navigating widespread conflict and insecurity, growing food, raising and providing education for their children and maintaining a household.
One of the key areas in which we work with women is in agriculture. Women farmers in Lumata DR Congo grow the Atemisisa medicinal plant, which is used to fight against malaria. The women grow, harvest, process and package the plant into tea that is sold inside and outside of the Congo. The returns from the sale of the tea is used to support a healthcare network that provides prenatal care for women in the mining areas. In addition, the money also supports the development and maintenance of maternity clinics.
FOTC also works with women organizations that combat sexual violence and patriarchy while teaching women self-care, self-preservation and providing education, training and tools where they can leverage local resources to generate income and care for their families.
Make a contribution below to support our women partners in the DRC.
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Friends of the Congo
1629 K Street, NW Ste 300
Washington, DC 20006
Memo: Youth