Girl born of rape, in DR Congo. Photo: COFAPRI (c)
By Mugisho Ndabuli Theophile, Founder/Exec. Director, COFAPRI
It breaks my heart
I can’t believe what my eyes see
My ears are blocked by hearing the injustices done to women and girls
My legs wobble because this is too heavy
This bleeds my heart.
It breaks my heart
To see raped women and girls are not given justice
That my neighbor woman and girl cannot read or write
Because the job of a woman is the kitchen
This is disheartening.
It breaks my heart
To learn that husbands and fathers
Beat their wives and daughters
Simply because they are females
This is rebelling.
It breaks my heart
As women are socially discriminated based on gender
They cannot eat some food as it is just for men
They cannot reach hospital when pregnant
This is unfair.
It breaks my heart
As children cannot go to school by lack of fees
Walk bare feet and chest in this 21st century
Hardly eat a meal a day due to poverty
This must be addressed jointly.
It breaks my heart
As women and girls who are victims of rape and domestic violence are blamed
And are never involved in seeking long lasting peace
Let’s all raise our voices to help them to be involved
This is unacceptable.
It breaks my heart
To listen to women who were raped,
To their heartbreaking stories
And those of their fatherless children
This gives fever.
It breaks my heart
To hear that some men consider women as objects
And that some communities support this
By promoting women and girls cutting and trafficking
This must end.
It breaks my heart
As some women and girls are thrown in jails unfairly
Others punished for denouncing man’s violence to them
And even removed physically
This is unbearable.
It breaks my heart
As there exist discriminatory cultures
They hinder women’s rights and development.
But give it all to men
This must be rooted out.
It breaks my heart
As some women have studied
But denied rights to work
They are not paid as men and are refused work in decision-making institutions
This is purely unfair and odious.
Bringing Light
However, it gives me heart and pride
To be part of Safe World for Women
Who are addressing with commitment
All kinds of evils committed to women in the world
This is hopeful.
I can see a bright future for women and girls
Thanks to Safe World
As she works closely with her local women grassroots organizations
Present on the five continents.
Let you and me stand jointly and abreast to do something
This is really motivating.
Also Read: DRC: Heartbreak & Hope - Donor Support Brings Education & Sewing Skills to the Grassroots