Short Summary
The women of Congo have had it rough. Their country has been at war for decades, many of them have seen their families and even their bodies badly damaged and torn apart. There's no shortage of sad stories coming out of the DRC, and from an outsider's perspective, it's hard to find cause for hope. That's because you're not looking hard enough.
Panzi Hospital was constructed in 1999 in response to the increasing number of sexual violence victims in Eastern Congo. The hospital specializes in treating gynecological disorders, specifically those due to reproductive trauma and trauma from sexual violence, as well as clinical physical treatment and psychological counseling for survivors. Dr. Denis Mukwege is the co-founder and medical director of the hospital, but also a tireless advocate for the survivors he treats. Because he recognizes that his patients often suffer in silence, he has become a voice for them. He travels around the world to tell their stories and to raise awareness about the use of rape as a weapon of war.
Women come to Panzi Hospital because they have suffered. They stay to receive treatment for their wounds, internal and external. But what happens when they leave? Is Panzi really able to make a sustainable difference in the community? The answer is yes - women come through Panzi's programs strengthened, empowered, and ready to provide for themselves, their families, and to make a positive difference in their communities. But these stories aren't being told - this is where you come in! Help us give these incredible women control over their own stories. Help us celebrate their success.
My name is April Houston and I am a television/video producer and human rights advocate from St. Louis, Missouri. I've been working with Panzi Foundation USA for a couple of years now and am in awe of the amazing work being done by Dr. Mukwege and the incredible staff of Panzi Hospital. This summer, I am donating my time and the use of my equipment and traveling to Eastern Congo with Dr. Lee Ann De Reus (Panzi Foundation USA co-founder) to produce a documentary project showcasing the hospital and the women who have come through its programs.
What We Need & What You Get
As all of the labor is entirely volunteer and all of the equipment already owned and paid for, we need donations ONLY to fund the travel expenses and tape costs.
- Flights/Transportation: $3500
- Accommodations/Food (10 days - Kigali, Goma, Bukavu): $1000
- Translation Services/Tapes/Misc: $500
For you, we've put together some great incentives for people able to donate "a little extra"...
- A Panzi limited edition t-shirt designed by amb3r (amb3r.com)
- A producer credit on the documentary
- An 8x10 photo of Congolese women signed by Dr. Mukwege
And ALL donors will receive updates from the field while we are in Congo, including (hopefully) some short videos. The finished project will be available online or for purchase on DVD, but donors will receive a special preview link allowing them to see it before the general population.
We'll take donations big AND small - you don't HAVE TO donate $50, $100, or $250 - those are just where the incentives come in. And your donations are tax deductible.
The Impact
Although Panzi Hospital has been around since 1999, this is the first documentary project of its kind, designed to showcase the women of Panzi and the successes that have been produced from its various programs. Personally, I am very excited to see the impact Panzi has had on the ground over the last 15 years, and I believe there are many activists and supporters in the US (and beyond!) who will be interested to see it as well - and I'd like to be able to show you! Please help us bring this documentary project to fruition.
Other Ways You Can Help
Contributing is great (seriously!! we need contributors!!), but that's not the ONLY way to help:
- Please help us to get the word out - make some noise about our campaign. Tell your friends and family! Tell strangers! Tell everyone!
- Use the Indiegogo share tools! Use your social networks!
