First-line care
Primary care for the most vulnerable
Mamas for Africa provides medical care to victims of sexual violence and women suffering from serious gynecological conditions - such as uterine prolapse and fistula. We also arrange for hospitalization when necessary.
Mamas for Africa also provides psychological care. Much needed: because traumas need to heal. Many women are ostracized by their communities, making us their only source of hope, especially in remote villages.
In these remote areas, we are on standby. Victims of sexual violence and gender inequality can seek help at one of our 11 staffed reception points across South Kivu. Our team of nurses, psychologists and psycho-social assistants provides care to those women who do not have access to a hospital.
Raising awareness
Engaging the entire community
Mamas for Africa shatters taboos, fosters open discussions, and sensitizes communities. Our awareness-raising efforts involve everyone - women and men alike.
In parish centers, village squares, schools, and on the radio, we advocate for equal rights, address sexual violence, and discuss rejection and positive masculinity. Mamas for Africa always works in consultation with the local network to ensure effective and sustainable impact.
This is how women are empowered. This is how we move women forward. This is how we move entire communities move forward.
Mamas for Africa works in East Congo
Mamas for Africa is based in our Maison de la Femme in Bukavu. From there, our multidisciplinary teams set off weekly to visit villages across South Kivu. There we provide medical and psychological care.
Our people
A well-oiled team
Mamas for Africa's core team includes 20 deidcated colleagues in Congo. They work tirelessly every day to improve the lives of vulnerable girls and women in South Kivu.
South Kivu is about twice the size of Belgium, with around five million inhabitants scattered across hundreds of villages.
Since our core team cannot be everywhere at once, Mamas for Africa has established a network of local outreach points. The stars of these reception points are our 30 local employees.
These men and women are our eyes and ears in the far corners of South Kivu. They know their villages like the back of their hand and immediately come to the aid of women in times of crisis. They are also trusted figures for women and girls seeking guidance.
Together, our core team and the local staff form a well-oiled machine.
Where does the money go?
Here's a brief overview of our spending in Congo.
For detailed figures, please refer to our annual report below.
Medical care
29,90%
Psychological aid
16,92%
Awareness-raising & prevention
23,77%
Economic reintegration
5,22%
Training
1,30%
All-terrain vehicles & transport
9,30%
Maison de la Femme
5,70%
Other
7,89%
In the field
Bora Tito, the voice of Mamas for Africa in Kalehe
Bora runs our reception point in Kalehe, on the western shore of Lake Kivu. As a local employee, she lends an ear and raises the alarm when problems arise. She is our antenna in this remote area.
Bora regularly travels to Bukavu to attend training sessions, where she meets colleagues from other villages. Their hunger for knowledge shows their dedication, despite the challenging circumstances.
Caring for the most vulnerable women is our core business. But supporting our caregivers is equally important. Without them, we would never reach our target group. Bravo to our workers for their courage!
Sustainable partnerships
Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege
Doctor Denis Mukwege is one of our key partners. He is a gynecologist and an expert on sexual violence in conflict zones. In Bukavu, he runs the Panzi hospital, where our women receive free medical care.
However, not all affected women can access the hospital due the the overwhelming numbers. That's why we work with two additional partner hospitals, where we cover the costs, thanks to our generous donors.
Mama for Africa is a highly trusted partner in transferring survivors of sexual violence to Panzi Hospital. Doctor Denis Mukwege, Nobel Peace Prize winner
