Stronger Women, Stronger Nations Program
Through the Stronger Women, Stronger Nations Program, women break the isolation of war, conflict, and gender discrimination to realize their own power. As they form connections in class, women learn to save, build businesses, understand their rights, improve their health, and change societal rules. The pass this knowledge on to their families and communities — creating a ripple effect for generations. When
When supported by her peers and provided with the right resources and opportunities, even the most marginalized woman can develop the confidence and skills to transform her life, her family, and her community. In the eastern part of Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has grappled with wars, civil strife, and multiple rebellions since 1996, women and girls suffer disproportionately from high rates of violence and extreme poverty. At the same time, services such as health care, psychosocial support, security, and justice for survivors of violence are limited. Women for Women International has developed a program that offers women in eastern DRC a constructive, dignified way to regain control of their lives. With your support, our foundational training helps women know and defend their rights, influence decisions at home and in their communities, initiate activities that generate income, and save money for the future, contributing to economic self-sufficiency in their lives and for their families. Since 2013, Women for Rose Mapendo foundation – Democratic Republic of the Congo has served more than 1000 women through our yearlong program in eastern Congo’s North and South Kivu provinces.
Today the slaughter of over 6.9 million people continues in the eastern African region. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains trapped in a cycle of ethnic violence that results in the kidnapping of children and the use of rape and sexual violence as weapons of control and intimidation. Every day, 45,000 people are affected by this tribal warfare, leaving thousands of women, children and families abandoned, broken, and in total despair. There are those who believe that some human lives are worth more than others. Rose Mapendo is not one of them. As a victim of unimaginable violence, Rose understands the struggle to remain hopeful. Through a spiritual and incredible journey, she has transformed from a victim into an inspiring testimony that what seems impossible, is possible. Acting as a voice for the voiceless, she is working to create a better future for her people, and for the world. If she can be here today against all things possible, then she can create the same possibility for other women.
Watch this short video to better understand Rose Mapendo’s vision & how you can make a difference.
Rose Mapendo has been recognized around the world for the strength and courage she possesses after enduring such a harrowing journey. Today she has made it a point to forgive those who caused her suffering and move forward toward creating a better future filled with peace and hope. Every achievement and award she receive is an instrumental gift from God that allows Rose to inspire others to make a difference in the lives of a woman, a child, a family and the world. Take an up close and personal look at the humanitarian work Rose is accomplishing every day.
Recent Events
Feeding Orphans
Fundraiser at Axiom Church
Peace Starts With Me
Valley Partnership Inspirational Fundraising Breakfast
House of Refuge Inspirational Breakfast
Expressions in Humanity Luncheon
Pushing the Elephant Documentary Luncheon
Women of Strength: Cultivating Leadership
Rose Visits Israel on Speaking Tour
Rose Attends U.N. Honoree Ceremony
Ben Affleck Supports Healing Efforts
Feeding Orphans
Fundraiser at Axiom Church
In the fall of 2019 we held a fundraiser for the Rose Mapendo Foundation at Axiom Church. We used this time to share the documentary, Pushing the Elephant, about Rose and her family, what they experienced in Africa, and their journey coming to America. We also had a Q&A time where guests were able to ask Rose questions about her life and ministry, and also sold items that were made by women in Africa. We sold jewelry, clothing, bags, as well as t-shirts we made specifically for the foundation. It was a beautiful and fun experience to share with others what the foundation is doing, especially in regards to the Women Center United for Peace. We are about half-way through building this center in the Congo, and proceeds from this event went towards this project. We are so thankful to announce that we raised nearly $3000. If you are interested in hosting an event like this at your church or organization, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are hoping this event is one that continues on to reach more and more people. Head over to our News page to view more photos of our event by the very talented, Amber Joy Photography.
Peace Starts With Me
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The Peace Starts With Me banquet was held in Tempe, Arizona by the Women’s Federation for World Peace. Rose was honored with the Ambassador For Peace Award by the The Universal Peace Federation and the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace.
Valley Partnership Inspirational Fundraising Breakfast
70 people joined the Florence Crittenton phoenix staff for an inspirational breakfast on charting a new course for our lives. Rose spent the morning giving back to this group of survivors speaking on the power of women coming together to create change. Florence Crittendon creates safe environments where girls and young women can discover the support of a caring community and the possibility of a bright new future.
House of Refuge Inspirational Breakfast
House of Refuge is a faith-based, non-profit organization helping homeless families in crisis by providing transitional housing and supportive services that assist participants as they strive towards self-sufficiency and seek to obtain permanent housing. Rose spoke to the women of HOR on finding victory in their circumstances and overcoming obstacles in life.
Expressions in Humanity Luncheon
The foundation of this event is the community table. 12 people come once a month together with the realization that their is more to this life and it begins with expressing humanity in the smallest and biggest ways. The intention of this space is to create a safe haven for sharing with vulnerability. Rose spoke on finding hope and putting the past behind us.
Pushing the Elephant Documentary Luncheon
Pushing the Elephant Luncheon: 45 Real Estate Industry Leaders joined for a fundraising event to support Roses mission trip to Africa 8/2015. Rose shared her 90 minute documentary;
A story of forgiveness, hope, and the joy of family life, Pushing the Elephant captures one woman’s mission for peace in her country beset by genocidal violence.
Women of Strength: Cultivating Leadership
Hundreds of women gather together bi-yearly to celebrate the initiative of inspire, encourage, mentor and lead within the Real Estate community. This special event is based on women coming together regardless of affiliations to share their stories with authenticity and transparency.
Rose on finding forgiveness for her captors.