As we disembarked from the boat in Bukavu, we saw women, doubled over
with the weight of the sacks of cassava root. Looking like they were
about 90, they were more likely 40 said our driver. They are paid
approximately $1 per load, depending on its worth, weight and the
distance they have to carry it. "She is killing herself," said Pascal. "You see what a difficult life women have in Congo," added our driver.
Consider that in DRC life expectency for women is 46 compared with 81 for Canadian women. One of every 13 women will die in childbirth. Literacy is low for the general population and even lower for women. Only 67 women for every 100 men are literate. The percentage of the population that lives below the international poverty line of $1.25 US a day was 59% in 2005. 16% of children will die before their 5th birthday. (Sources: http://www.unicef.org, www.fraserinstitute.org, www.thecanadian encyclopedia.com).
Healing Streams works to engage local organizations that empower women in their communities. On invitation, we equip local trainers to further train women and men who can make a difference in the lives of women and their families by empowering them to bring about the change they desire.
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