Empowering Congolese and African Women

Our Objectives

The Congolese American Women Empowerment and Leadership aims to provide a cultural and educational oasis of peace in a culturally and linguistically congruent manner to Limited English Proficient African Refugee and Immigrant Women in the United States: to facilitate a smooth transition to the American life and culture; to promote education, health and socialization; to provide health education and information about health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, strokes, gynecological cancers and/or cancers in general and other conditions; feminine health conditions are seldom discussed in African social groups because of African Taboos on “feminine matters”. Moreover, superstitious beliefs are deeply engrained in the African community, and state of diseases are believed to be caused by “black magic”, sorcery or witchcrafts and cure is sought by consulting religious leaders or charlatans. Education for women is not encouraged, as women are primarily raised for marriage and childbearing.