September 13 — A showing and discussion of “Fighting the Silence” of rape in Congo
Pastor Thomas L. Brown will join Valerie Masumbuko, cabinet attaché in the Belgian Federal Ministry of Public Service and Public Enterprises, Brussels/Belgium, to break the silence on violence against women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Masumbuko will discuss the true victims of the deadliest war ever recorded in Africa and the ravaging effects of rape and other brutality after the seven years of fighting ended.
When: Saturday, September 13 noon
Where: Ebenezer M.B. Church, 1901 N. Harding St. Indianapolis
Cabinet Attaché Valerie Masumbuko is highly regarded in matters of Burundian and international peace and conflict transformation organizations and movements concerned with women’s rights and raising global awareness of violence against women and children—particularly in her native Africa. Masumbuko is visiting Indiana to screen the film “Fighting the Silence” and lead discussions on breaking the silence to shed light on how third world women are considered second class citizens and how this classification and treatment further victimizes them and increases their suffering at the hands of rapists and others four years after the war was officially declared as being over.
Why does Provocate think you should attend this event?
Right now there is great interest and activity related to Congo bubbling in Central Indiana. Hundreds of people were moved during spring’s Indianapolis International Film Festival by Lisa Jackson and her film “The Greatest Silence: Rape in Congo” … winner of the Festival’s Erik Parker Social Justice Award, given to the film that best provoked a discussion about how we can in Indy help solve global problems. Many local groups are doing very good work in Congo, and they are very good at absorbing effectively offers to help.
If you think this sounds interesting, be sure to check out …
You have another chance to see “Fighting the Silence” and to talk with Ms Masumbuko on September 18. For more on Congo, get involved in “Breaking the Silence” — Congo Week — October 19-25; and attend the Spirit & Place event November 6, “Re-Imagine the Future: Midwest Voices for Congo.” There are many other relevant events about Africa this fall: in particular hear the South African theologian Isabel Phiri discuss African notions of masculinity and vioolence against women on September 17.
Know before you go:
Visit the website for “Fighting the Silence.” The Indianapolis Star recently had an interesting article about actor Javier Bardem’s work on rape in Congo. Take a look at some other news articles about rape in Congo before seeing the film.
For more information …
Provocate has put together More Information sheets about Congo, Violence against Women in Africa, and coltan (the natural resource blamed for prolonging the civil wars in Congo).
And for your listening pleasure …
