Calling all activists!

Welcome to our new Utah for Congo blog!  

Here's why we're mad:

Over the past decade, nearly 7 million people have been killed in Democratic Republic of the Congo because of war and conflict.  That makes it the most deadly conflict of our generation, the deadliest since World War II.  Half of these deaths are children under the age of five.

One of the most horrific elements of the conflict is the habitual use of sexual violence and rape to terrorize women and children and destroy communities.  The sexual violence is characterized by its unspeakable brutality and by the pain and destruction left in its wake.  Figures are hard to come by, but a soon-to-be-released study suggests that the number of people raped over the past decade comes close to 3 million.  

What haunts us is the fact that each of us is complicit in the continuation of this conflict.  Violent groups are fighting for control of natural resources like gold, tungsten, tin and tantalum: Resources that tech companies use to manufacture the electronics equipment (like computers and cell phones) that Americans use.  So every time we use our mobile phones, which are filled with these conflict minerals, we are part of the problem.

So let's be part of the solution.

Right here in Utah, we have several upcoming events to raise awareness about the conflict as well as funds to help survivors.  See the sidebar of the blog for information about our upcoming Yoga for Congo Women events in Salt Lake and Logan, and our second-annual Run for Congo Women 5K Walk/Run in Salt Lake.  The events are open to the public; all we ask is that you bring a donation and participate with us.  If you'd like to assist in planning these events, or if you know a business that would like to help sponsor them, please leave a comment letting us know how we can get in touch with you.

100 percent of event proceeds will go to Women for Women International, an organization that provides psychosocial support, job training, and resources to women who have survived the horrors of rape and war.


Please join us.  Let's create a community of Congo activists in Utah; let's make our voices heard.