Dear Friends and Family,

Women for Women International is an important organization that works to improve the quality of life, education and rights for women and children around the world.  On November 13th we are running for the Women of Congo...  

In 2000, The New York Times reported the war in Congo had cost 100,000 lives. Based on their work on the ground, the International Rescue Committee knew this was a gross underestimate. When they set out to get an accurate number, they discovered the grave reality: the Congo is by far the world's deadliest conflict since World War II. Since 1998, 5.4 million people have died there.

The conflict in Congo began with the conclusion of the Rwandan genocide. The Interahamwe (the Hutu militias responsible for the massacre of 1 million in Rwanda in a period of four months) were pushed over the border into the Congo where they set up camp and began terrorizing the Congolese people.

Various militias or government forces were sent in to fight the Interahamwe, then each other. It erupted into what has been termed "Africa's First World War.” The UN has accused all nations involved of using the war as a cover for looting diamonds, coltan, gold, and other resources from this mineral rich region.

Civilians are left to fend for themselves against brutal attacks, torture, looting, rape and murder, as well as deprivation of the most basic conditions necessary for life. Women in the Congo carry the heaviest of burdens. They have been gang raped. Tortured. Watched their husbands and children murdered in front of them. Forced to flee their homes. Many have watched two, four, even seven children die from preventable illnesses.

Please donate if you can to help protect and educate these women and children who are suffering in the Congo.  

For more details please visit:  http://www.runforcongowomen.org/congo.html 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. 

Thanks so much!

Erin, Anna and Susan