Women

Many women in DR Congo are exposed to violence or abuse on a daily basis. They are often abandoned by their husbands and therefore have to provide for their children on their own. Shimama therefore wants to ensure that women can feel safe, respected and strengthen their position in society.

Shimama will give women a helping hand by increasing their knowledge and helping them where they are.

How should we help the women?

Handiwork: In the Congo, those who master sewing and have access to a sewing machine have the opportunity to become tailors. We emphasize providing thorough training to women so that they can develop the skills needed to sew. In this way, they can create clothes for themselves, but also make it their livelihood.
Starting own business: More women have a dream of starting their own business. Shimama will contribute to making the dream come true.
Agriculture: most women have no land or place to grow food. Therefore, Shimama will help to find a place where they can start growing their own food.
Farming for women who are in villages. Will we support farming, by buying them pigs, cows, chickens and other animals that will provide them with both food and income

Sports

Sport should be for everyone, but unfortunately this is not the case in all countries. In the Congo, for example, women are not allowed to play sports. Society has clear guidelines for women and sports. This makes it difficult for women to be able to do whatever sport they want. Sport creates joy, therefore we shall go further by introducing our women to sport. This is through starting football teams for women in the areas where we operate.

Health and hygiene

Due to the great lack of knowledge about health and hygiene, we want the mothers to learn more about this and be more proven about their health and personal hygiene. We will also create introductory courses to family planning, the fight against sexually transmitted diseases and we will also arrange for psychological support for those who have been exposed to violence or sexual abuse.