A silent scream - victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Since 1996, more than 250,000 women and children have been brutally raped in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The conflict in the DRC is the world's deadliest since WWII, with more than 5.4 million people dead from the effects of war.
My dream assignment is to continue using my photography to raise awareness and funds for victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, through my not-for-profit, Care Through Action.
I photograph these women and children as determined survivors with a strong sense of dignity and hope who need our help for medical support and skills training to rebuild their lives. I also document their stories as evidence of the atrocities. I will exhibit my photographs in cities worldwide, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington DC and at the UN in Vienna.
Why?
The Women of the Democratic Republic of Congo need our help. These women have shown incredible bravery in the face of horrific atrocities, oppressive dictators, economic crises, and an ongoing civil war which targets women as "weapons of war." This situation is accompanied by an overall lack of security, support and healthcare; yet these women continue surviving and providing for their families.
I founded Care Through Action to bring a human face to issues that most plague our world. Through beautiful portraits of victims in Darfur and the DRC, I bring a dignified picture of hope to individuals, inspiring them to help. We are changing the world’s understanding of and response to human rights violations affecting women and children. Through the power of one-of-a-kind images and individual stories of the front lines of suffering, CTA builds awareness of issues under-reported by mainstream media, and connects individuals with tangible and powerful ways to create lasting solutions at the local level.
The funds raised directly assist the victims through a Congolese not-for-profit in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, HEAL Africa. HEAL Africa works with victims of sexual violence to heal them holistically, physically and emotionally as well as giving them skills and means to rebuild their lives.
63 Comments
Good luck, Alissa. I voted for your dream. May you find success with it, if not here than in other ways. Pay it Forward. My dream is for the Children of the World.
Check out Jean Chung's work on sexual violence in Congo, I think it was called Tears in Congo. Voted for you. Feel free to return the favor. My project is to document issues in Zimbabwe.
thanks for trying to make our world a better place.
Hey, Alissa. Inspiring idea - there is a play in NY (Ruined) right now that addresses this devastating topic. You've got our PIC. We're trying to donate the $50k prize money to charities across the US. Please check our idea out and support us if you like it. Thanks and good luck!
GOOD LUK ALISSA I HOPE YOU WIN.
Good luck A! I voted for you, hope others do too. You do wonderful work.
Great job, Alissa! You know I am a huge fan of your work and your ideals. Good luck with the competition!
Good luck, Alissa. I'm going to Tweet your link to my followers...hope it helps.
Appreciate your work!
@MarlaBeck
I like your idea, check out mine and vote for me if you like it. Its about poverty and society in 3rd world countries and how they are controlled, devastated by their governments and western industrialized nations.
Rock it, Alissa! Take me with you when you get it. :) I'll translate for you... Hope all is well!
Good luck...doing my little part for your big part. keep inspiring us!
Amazing, Alissa! Thank you for bringing light and awareness to something that may have gone unnoticed by so many people otherwise.
I voted... good luck!
You go girl!! - Dan (friend of Sir Godfrey Gill)
support and love
Great work! Please continue to bring awareness and change.
You've got my vote of confidence!
You do amazing work and I wish you the best of luck!
You go girl!!! Makin a difference when others don't!!! God bless you!!!
A, keep your eyes on the PRIZE!!!
GO ALISSA GO!
Good luck!
Thank you for working on such an important cause. Here's to hoping you win!
Go Alisssssssa!
Good luck Alissa!
Alissa...Suzanna here...wishing you continued determination, inspiration, support, safety and the very best. I'm very proud of you...
Alissa, i'm Erin's friend and tks for the oportunity to help, hope you win. i'll spread out!
You have my full support!
Best of Luck!!!
I hope you win!!!
great work - I sincerely hope you win.
Good luck.
Good luck Alissa! I admire your determination and courage! Thanks for the great work, hope you win!!! Catherine Xiao
All the best, Alissa, from your old running buddy from SF. Hope work, life, and love treat you well.
best of luck
Just voted, Alissa. I look forward to seeing your work in person when you eventually get home. Stay safe!!
ted
amazing sensations TKS !...WISH YOU GREAT LUCK . Laura
Good Luck!
your images are now on our site too!
http://www.janera.com/janera_images.php
Phenom project Alissa/best wishes! I've asked my Facebook network to all vote as well. Shea
Good Luck!
best of luck, alissa and continued success!
Nicole nudged me to vote. I signed up. Here is my vote. Good luck.
hi alissa,
i wrote an article about you for the digital photo academy. glad to see you're still committed to being a peace corp of one
Keep on your path, you are doing a great thing.
just voted, good luck! Jenn
Good luck Alison for one of thee most important causes in Africa that is affecting women every day, hour and minutes... Crossing fingers for you and continue the amazing work you have already done so far
Good luck
Alissa my love, best of luck your dedication and passion are inspiring. I'll keep passing the url along.
Lis- voted. Will forward email to my address book. You continue to change the world. Much love, Erin
Good luck!
Alissa,
May this become true. It has been inspiring to learn about all this you do. Recieve all my strength I can give you from the deepest of my heart.
Elías
All our love to you. Go Alissa!
This is great. We love you. Just remember a big day is on its way. God bless you.
Alissa, wishing you all the best in your quest to save the women of Africa!
Good Luck. Thanks for actually doing something for those women.
Good luck Alissa!
Good Luck Alissa. You're an amazing photojournalist. wish you the best in your travels and adventures
Voted for you
Please vote for me too
My Work - www.hemaliphotography.com/fineart.html
http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/hemaliz/reminiscence-memories-from-childhood/
Good Luck Alissa, thanks for sending me this link. You are doing great work.
Good luck and we appreciate your art and your effort.
Good luck Alissa! I truly hope you win
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Go Alissa!