Raise HOPE for Women in Eastern DRC (Congo)

Sauti ya Congo (Voices of Congo) Mamafrica Summer 2014 Blog Series-Written by Danielle Allyn

Here at MamAfrica, we take care to produce products that showcase the vibrancy, strength, and resilience of one of Congo’s greatest natural resources: its women. Some of our Mamas have over five children while some have none. Some are not yet twenty while others are older than 40. Some are still completing secondary school, while others earn extra income from selling fruit or clothing in local marketplaces on the weekends. The legacy of instability from Africa’s two “World Wars” touches the women daily. Most are no strangers to violence, loss, dislocation, and trauma. But the beauty of our Mamas here is that confronted with an unstable peace and the stigma attached to sexual violence survival; these women refuse to cede control of their lives. They each have dreams for themselves, for their children, and for their country. They believe in hard work, independence, and continuous learning. Over the next few weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our irreplaceable Mamas here in Bukavu, DRC. We hope that you will take the time to get to know the hardworking women behind your skirt, dress, or yoga bag!

“I would advise women who are struggling to confide in other women, because there are many who share the same challenges.” (Phillipo)

Family is a core value for Phillipo. Each night she makes sure to sing a spiritual song with each of her children before they fall asleep. She beams when showing photographs of her sons and daughters eating breakfast, preparing for school, and picking cassava leaves. Her dream for her children is that one day they may each find happiness in their own families, grounded in loving and stable marriages. In some ways, relocation has irrevocably impacted Phillipo’s life. Growing up in a village in South Kivu, Phillipo remembers fondly the communal nature of village life, in which each villager’s needs could be met through the cultivation of shared fields. Such uninvited transitions, however, have failed to destabilize Phillipo, who says, “I simply wish to do what God wills for my future.” One day, Phillipo hopes to learn how to bake, and cherishes the thought of selling cakes and breads at her own bakery. Her dream is that Congo will again experience the peace it once knew, with Congolese citizens free to move between cities and villages without dreading the imposition of rebel fighters.

Sylvine, likewise a Bukavu Mama, cherishes her children in a manner similar to Phillipo. “My favorite thing to do is to spend time with my children,” she says. “When they are healthy and happy, I am happy.” A proud mother, Sylvine also takes pride in her work as a seamstress at MamAfrica. “I want customers to know that I enjoy my job at MamAfrica. I would like others to know that when they buy MamAfrica products, they are sown by the Mamas here in Bukavu.” Sylvine also advocates adamantly for peace in Congo: “We do not need any more war.” As a mother, Sylvine also sees the potential in Congo’s youth and its future. She describes Congo’s wealth in gold and minerals, and hopes that one day this wealth may benefit the Congolese people. “That is another area in which we are rich,” she says, “We Congolese are rich in our people.

Photo credit: Sylvine

Links:

• http://mamafricadesigns.com/sauti-ya-congo-voices-of-congo/