Sakina is a mother of ten children, living in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Congo is known to be one of the most dangerous places in the world. Wars that began in the early 1990s continue to this day, with the militias continuing to inflict destruction on the Congo population. Armed groups, including the militias, the military, and even the police, are guilty of torturing and gang-raping many Congolese women. These women are then shunned and treated like modern-day lepers. They are rejected by their friends and families and driven out of their communities to live in isolation and rejection. Sakina was one of these women. She was raped by multiple gangsters and intentionally infected with HIV, which she also passed to one of her children through breastfeeding. Prior to her assault, she was a successful businesswoman, thriving and taking care of her family. The result of the attacks meant Sakina had to leave everything behind, including her once-successful business. She felt rejected and hopeless.
However, Sakina’s hopes were soon lifted. She received a microloan of $100 from a generous sponsor with Home of Hope. With this loan, she started her own water business, and in a short period of time was able to pay back the entire loan. In fact, Sakina did so well she was able to double her income and hire on other ladies to work with her. She now coaches and mentors 24+ ladies to be successful as well. Her goal is to send her children to school, and she is definitely on her way to making that happen.
Thanks to Home of Hope, Sakina got her life back. She now has a sense of purpose and belonging, and the ability to provide for her family. However, Sakina is just one of many. There are thousands of Congolese women that still require help. If you join Home of Hope on this journey, you too could help another woman like Sakina escape the threats of sexual violence. One microloan gives a Congolese woman the opportunity to build a successful business so they can be self-sufficient, and able to take care of their family without monthly sponsorship.
Article Written by: Kendra Footz