LAUNCH OF WEZESHA CONGO
Wezesha Congo was officially launched on 30th April 2015. State authorities were represented during the ceremony, i.e. a representative of the mayor of the local Council, a representative of the National Intelligence Agency, a representative of the Directorate General for Migration. The ceremony was broadcasted by the National Broadcaster RTNC. On the occasion, Wezesha Congo also became affiliated to the platform of NGOs and Associations of DR Congo (PONGAS).
Below a Speech from Wezesha founders that was read to the participants:
TO WOMEN OF WEZESHA DR CONGO
Dear mothers women,
With great joy from our hearts, we are writing to congratulate you for the launch of Wezesha Congo. It is an important day and of joy because of what you have decided to do. This a sign that you have agreed and believe that women have the power and strength to end the suffering in DR Congo.
We should have been with you today, but unfortunately our work and personal circumstances did not allow it. Even though we are far away, our hearts and mind are there with you on this very special day.
Wezesha is an Organisation that we, children of Africa, initiated from Ireland where we live in 2010. The aim of this Organisation is to support women and children in order to end any form of violence to which they are subjected, help in the alleviation of poverty and mobilise all the African Diaspora to contribute to the African development through gained skills, expertise and other resources.
DR Congo has suffered a lot from war and conflicts in the recent years and we know that women and children are the ones who have suffered most: rape, killings, torture, etc. This situation should not continue. You must refuse and resist it, and today, you women, have agreed that you can do it. Yes you can, indeed!
Since the beginning of the World, it’s the mother who is the pillar of the family. Look, it’s the mother who gives birth, breastfeeds, feeds and up brings the child. Fathers are fathers thanks to mothers who gave birth to them and made them who they are. Isn’t it? Yes, if today, you women wake up and use your womanpower suffering will end, and Africa and DR Congo will shine.
What we are telling you today is to stand up, to unite, to mobilise many others and together challenge everything that prevents your advancement, and work to end violence and poverty to which you are subjected. We are here to support you. Our contribution is to support your work. We will work with you, will strive to provide resources, skills, expertise, etc. towards your empowerment. And with this, we believe that you, women, will become again the pillar of the family-life as it has always been. Anyone can indeed observe it in the nature. Look at animals!
Our recommendation to you today is to continue spreading the news about Wezesha, mobilise other women, many of them, everywhere you go so that the group grows. This will allow you to gather enough resources and strength for great projects that will support the development of your family and of DR Congo. Be blessed all of you and your families. We hope to see you soon.
Salome Mbugua and Egide Dhala,
Founders of Wezesha.