People in the remote DRC villages, particularly in South Kivu, have a strong belief in sorcery and witchcraft.
Hence they believe that, when people have contracted AIDS, they have been bewitched. This is why they reject going to hospitals for medical checks.
COFAPRI members discuss widowhood and women's land rights in DRC:
"They took all they wanted. Next, they told me I had to marry the brother of my late husband; that is the culture here..."
Some of the children were born from rapes and therefore they need assistance for survival...
Up to now, we are only sponsoring three children born from rape. This because of the lack of appropriate means.
Update from COFAPRI - Safeworld Field Partner in DR Congo:
Sometimes, women carry on their back burdens that are heavier than their own weight, just to earn money to feed their children.
We have started a plant and vegetable growing project on a very small plot of land in or near the compound of every member.
Some women are cultivating maize, sorghum, soya beans, beans, vegetable marrows and potatoes. The first harvest was very beneficial to the whole membership of COFAPRI.
