Darfur Women's Center
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the problem:
Since February 2003, the Government of Sudan has been engaged in armed conflict with the indigenous African tribes in Darfur. Over 2.7 million civilians throughout Darfur have been displaced following destruction of hundreds of rural villages.
Women and children comprise approximately 80% of the displaced population encamped throughout Darfur and Eastern Chad. They have suffered loss of homes, family members, livelihoods and possessions. Many women and girls have also suffered rape and physical abuse.
Women’s critical contributions as wage earners, heads of households, community leaders and peacemakers have been severely undermined by the accumulated traumas of their displacement.
As a matter of survival for themselves and their children, economic recovery is a primary concern of displaced women. Farming has been their traditional livelihood but they currently have not access to their lands. They have lost husbands and brothers who were family income earners. Now they learn new ways to utilize their skills and to develop new skills to support their surviving children and, in many cases, aging parents.
Though many rural women are illiterate, they understand that education and training are vital to their future earning power. In fact, many have specific dreams and goals in this regard.
In addition to the traumas of their losses, many women (and girls) are suffering the debilitating effects of rape and physical violence. Their health status and familial ties have deteriorated.
Experienced service providers agree that trauma survivors need ongoing support to recover. The longer the delay in providing economic, social, and medical support, the more difficult recovery becomes. Many Darfuri women have suffered in silence for years. Integrated services that support the recovery and empowerment of Darfuri women are critical to the recovery of both local communities and the larger society of Darfur.
vital stats:
people impacted:
600people involved:
650why it's important:
Rape and sexual violence against women and children have been persistent, widespread and noted repeatedly by many human rights groups as well as the UN's 2005 International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur. Reports from many sources indicate a realistic estimate of the number of victims to be in the tens of thousands. Sexual violence against Darfur women is both a human rights and public health crisis. Victims endure physical injuries, unwanted pregnancies, miscarriages and other reproductive complications, psychological illness, ostracism by their husbands and families, and accusations of adultery. Most victims suffer the debilitating effects of sexual violence in silence, isolation and depression. The services of the Darfur Women's Centers are urgently needed for the near-term treatment of survivors, and are crucial for the long-term evolution of services for women's health throughout Darfur.
the plan of action:
The Darfur Peace and Development Organization's (DPDO) intimate knowledge of Darfuri society, a proven service model, its ability to identify, recruit, train and manage qualified staff, and logistical expertise have enabled the organization to establish (2007) and maintain one Women’s Center in Kassab IDP camp, and to open a second Center in Abu Shouk IDP camp in September 2009.
The Darfur Women's Centers equip Darfuri women on an individual and collective basis with the resources to resolve the consequences of sexual trauma. The approach is holistic -- integrating psychological, medical, social, educational, and economic elements.
The Women’s Centers:
• Support income-generating enterprises including a basket weavers’ cooperative and the manufacture of solar cookers for sale;
• Train women in literacy, first aid, basic business skills and other subjects of interest to the group;
• Provide basic health care to women and their children;
• Provide a safe place to develop solutions and leadership on community issues.
The Women’s Center Program provides Darfuri women with a means to restore personal, family and community strength and stability for the task of rebuilding their society.
how you can get involved:
DPDO is always in need of donations/funding in order to continue the operation of our Women's Center program and assist the thousands of Darfuri women who rely on our critical services.
Support DPDO with a financial gift using PayPal or your Visa or Mastercard by clicking on the following link:
http://www.darfurpeace.org/fundraising/help-the-people-of-darfur
You may also mail a check to:
Darfur Peace & Development Organization
P.O. Box 90
Washington, DC 20044
Or donate via DPDO's Facebook Cause "Help Darfuri women and children":
https://www.causes.com/fb/donations/new?cause_id=387248&fundraiser_id=72...
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Comments
Wow, it looks like you are doing an amazing job with this- you've impacted so many people thus far! Please keep it up! Have you thought about applying for a Do Something grant to help support what you're doing? If you haven't already applied, here's the link: http://www.dosomething.org/grants. Good luck!
Hello!
Yes, I have applied for a grant for DPDO. However, I am not sure if DPDO will be able to receive the grant, since we are an organization and not an individual.
Thank you so much for your kind words! If you would like to find out how you can get involved to help Darfuri women and children today, please visit our website at http://www.darfurpeace.org
We are always in need of donations to support our programs on the ground in Darfur!
Create a great day!
Chiara Cabiglio
DPDO Summer/Fall Outreach Intern
chiara@darfurpeace.org
http://www.darfurpeace.org