A Center for New Hope: Counseling and Literacy for Abused Women

Discussion group at the Center for New Hope, in Luanda, Angola. Photo: CICA

The three-decades long civil war between rebel forces and the government of Angola, which ended in 2002, displaced over four million people and caused over a half-million deaths. The countryside was littered with unexploded landmines. Women were under threat of rape and sexual violence. And the lack of basic amenities further disrupted lives.

Sewing Class for Trauma Recovery sessions in CICA Center in Lobita. Photo: CICA

In Angola, as elsewhere, women are considered the thread that holds families and even communities together. Aside from working in the fields and trading in the markets to generate resources for their family, women return home to do their daily chores, care for the children, and in some cases face the rage and violence of spouses frustrated by their inability to earn enough to meet their family's needs. This makes these women doubly stressed by the trauma from the war and violence at home.

A Training session in Luanda. Photo: CICA

Beginning in 2004, Angolan women could access the resources of the Center of New Hope, in Luanda--a collaborative effort between the CWS partners Women's Department of Angolan Council of Christian Churches (CICA) and the Circle of Women Theologians.

A celebration at the National Stadium with 4,705 people in attendance. Photo: CICA

CWS is a major supporter of the Center of New Hope, which provides a safe space for women to come together for counseling and spiritual support; they share the pains from their fears and burdens and get the relief that comes with the sharing of common experience. The Center organizes outreach activities within communities to speak about the issues of violence against women. Activities include seminars and sermons at worship services to reach a larger audience. Some worship services are followed by testimonies from both men and women acknowledging their violent environment. As part of the trauma recovery activity, literacy and vocational skills training are provided.

In 2005, nine groups were organized in Luanda to lead marches to address violence against women and to campaign for solidarity with women's struggles. More than 4,700 people, including 204 men--some of whom were pastors, policemen, and other officials--attended a seminar in early 2006 that concluded with a celebration at the National Stadium. CWS is assisting a second phase program expansion to the Provinces of Kwanza-Sul, Bengela, Kwanza-Norte, Huambo, Huila, Zaire, and Bengo.

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