Lisa Shannon
Lisa Shannon founded the first national grassroots effort to raise awareness and funds for women in the DR Congo through her project Run for Congo Women. They have sponsored more than a thousand war-affected Congolese women through Women for Women International. These women are raising more than 5000 children. She traveled solo into Eastern Congo’s South Kivu province for five and half weeks in January- February 2007, and again in May 2008. Prior to Lisa’s travels through Congo, was named a “2006 Hero of Running” by Runner’s World Magazine and O, The Oprah Magazine wrote, “Lisa Shannon read our report—and started a movement.” Lisa presently serves as an ambassador for Women for Women International. She previously owned a photography production company, where she served as art director and producer. She lives in her hometown of Portland, Oregon. A Thousand Sisters is her first book.
“A deeply moving call to action. If there ever was a story about how one woman makes a difference, this is it.”
Supporting Community
Asende
Asende survived a massacre by hiding in the bodies, pretending to be dead. Now she farms near Baraka in order to support her three children, plus three orphans she has taken in. She caries herself with a quiet dignity and grace that moves me every time I think of her face, her smile. To have nothing, and still take in orphans who have even less, well....women like Asende are my heroes! Next Supporter »
Ghislane
Ghislane is a "little person". Growing up, she was ridiculed for her size. She was gang raped while working in her fields and became pregnant, but the baby died at only 5 months. Then she was enrolled in Women for Women. Though she feared her size would evoke more ridicule, instead she has found a community of women who love her for who she is. She boasts, "I am proud of my size. It is who I am." Now she makes a living in animal husbandry and spends her days engaged in her personal passion- caring for children! Next Supporter »
Venciana
Venciana fled her home village of Kaniola after years of attacks, her husband's abduction by the Interahamwe, hiding with her children in the bush, and the death of her "baby of one day". She walked 30 miles to Bukavu with her family while 8 months pregnant. Then she was enrolled in Women for Women. Now she works as a "seller", has a small hut (with a stunning view of Lake Kivu!) chickens and goats. This lady is tough as nails, and I love her for it! She lives with her husband and five children. Next Supporter »
Wandolyn & Nshabole
Wandolyn was gang raped by the Congolese army. Six months later, she discovered she was pregnant. In an extremely unusual turn, through the loving support of her husband, she has grown to love the child she initially rejected, now named "Gift from God". I met Wandolyn in Congo, and she staked her claim on me. She calls me mother, and every day her kids ask to see photos of their American "grandmother". Grandmother!?! I'm only 34! Next Supporter »
Baraka sister
I knew right away when I met this sister, she is a leader! She lead her whole center in song and dance. Speaking about rape in Congo is strictly taboo. But when it came her turn in a group meeting, she boldly said, "When you asked about rape, we were not honest. We were all raped." Her openness lead many other women to tell their stories. Next Supporter »
A Kaniola Sister
This 22 year old sister has never been married and has no children of her own. But when her mother died, and her father proved "useless", she took on the task of raising her 5 younger brothers and sisters. Now enrolled in Women for Women, she not only is a model of compassion, she's gaining self sufficiency so she can support her younger siblings with her new business skills and income! Next Supporter »
Generose
Generose has lived through some of the worst violence I ever heard about. As part of an attack, a militia cut off her leg. But when I met her, I noticed she had painted the toenails on her prosthetic leg! This woman is all spirit and heart. She has built a business which makes $70/ month and two employees in an area where most families are living off of $20/ month. She's sending her kids to school, owns her own home, and lives in a safe neighborhood. One of the most resilient women I've ever met! Next Supporter »
Xaverine
My very first Congolese sister! From the very beginning, she sent me careful accounting notes on how much she invests in her business every month, and what profit she receives back. Her husband was abducted by the Interahamwe and held as a slave for a year. They still send notes saying they will take him again some day, because he is such a good cook. But according to Xaverine, since his return he is kind and loving and actually helps her support the family. Next Supporter »
Ack Chicago OrganizerTracy Ronzio
I was a new mom in the comfort, warmth and safety of our home, playing wit my son. Then Oprah came on, and I sat there in tears. I couldn’t believe that women and children, just like me and my son, were enduring. I became determined to be a voice for Congolese women and children, since so few were speaking out for them. I trained for and ran in Chicago’s half-marathon to raise awareness for the Congolese. A month later, Lisa and her mom flew to Chicago to hold the 1st Annual Chicago Run for Congo Women. With the unending support of my husband Eric and our two children, I am now preparing for Chicago’s 4th Annual Run for Congo Women! Next Supporter »
North Carolina OrganizerRobin Potawksy
In September 2006, the same day as Lisa’s second run in Portland, I completed a 12-mile lone run in Morganton, NC. I decided on the distance because of the story Nabito told on Oprah. A militia had stormed her home at night and repeatedly raped her and her daughter. They ordered Nabito’s son to rape her. He could not. They broke his legs and beat him almost to death. I could not imagine how horrifying that was for the boy and his mother. I added the month and date of my son’s birthday to come up with 12 miles. With my son riding his bicycle beside me for those 12 miles, I hoped in some small way to honor Nabito and her brave son and daughter. That lone run was a spiritual experience for me. I was alone, yet not alone. It was as if the women of the Congo were with me. My Congolese sisters have become part of me. Their resilience and determination are characteristics I strive for. They have totally rearranged my life. Next Supporter »
Colorado OrganizerDottie Mann
After reading Lisa’s story, I thought, “I can do that.” I called my girlfriend, running partner, and Sister of the Universe, Paula, and told her we were going to have a run in Denver. Jen Parsons and I met, and now, three runs later, we are already planning for 2010. Our run draws mostly privileged, educated and wealthy (by the world’s standards) white women. I too am one of these women. Why do we gather to run for women across the world? Many of our participants have felt the pain of abuse. Many women at our run share with me their secret shame of having been raped. They whisper their stories to me. I have heard simply, “I’m here because I understand.” I have looked into many faces where memories of abuse flicker. When we Run for Congo Women, we also run for ourselves. Stronger women do make stronger nations. When we share our stories, we begin weaving a web of life that will be strong enough to hold up all the women of the world. I must acknowledge the many men who join us, men who understand that when women are brutalized, their community, country and world are torn as well. Next Supporter »
St. Louis Organizer Mary Jo Burkhart
I was in management at a national stockbrokerage firm, but when my son was 2, I “retired.” When my son was in high school, I started to feel restless. That’s when my friend Lynda told me about the Oprah show and Run for Congo Women. The more I read about the atrocities, the more I cried. Then I began to get angry, outraged, that unspeakable violence was being directed at innocent women and NOBODY was stopping it!!! I thought about my own daughter and how I would advocate for her in the case of the slightest infraction of her rights. What would I do to protect her? How would I feel if WE lived in Congo? I would not be human, I thought, if I do nothing. As Lynda and I stumbled through that first event, we had 45 attendees (20 of them volunteers). We raised $7500, which doubled with an anonymous, matching donor – enough to sponsor 42 Congolese women! I will never forget the feeling when the event was over. We cried. I felt so intensely alive, connected and empowered!!! Next Supporter »
Phoenix, Arizona OrganizerMary Garskof
I am a single mother of two wonderful children, currently attending law school. I enjoy taking Flamenco dance classes when I can find the time. I have been organizing Arizona’s Run for Congo Women for 3 years now. I love helping to improve the lives of people in Congo, and showing my community and my children that one person really does make a difference. Next Supporter »
NYC OrganizerAmy Ng Thow Hing
I am 27, living and working in New York City’s fast-paced fashion industry. Born in Canada of an Irish mother and Chinese- Mauritian father, I became interested in Africa when an Aunt started a school for severely handicapped children in Zambia. I first heard about the crisis in Congo at McGill University in Montreal. I wrote my final paper on the crisis for a Human Rights class and organized a letter-writing project to women in the Congo. When Lisa Ling did her special report on Oprah, I sat there thinking: If that were me, I would be saying, “How can the world be letting them DO this to me?” Then Lisa Shannon dropped this huge opportunity into our laps to start a Run for Congo Women team in NYC. We started as strangers and have grown together as a family. It’s amazing to watch the ripple effect across the city. We’ve had RFCW events in bars and on boats; we’ve had intramural teams win money for our cause; musicians and artists are holding benefits for RFCW; we’re teaming up with other organizations. More and more sectors of the community are banding together, all in the name of fighting for and celebrating our strong, courageous, beautiful Congolese sisters! Next Supporter »
Portland, ORegon OrganizerAnn Shannon
My involvement in Run for Congo Women goes much deeper than being Lisa’s mom. I had prayed for 20 years for work alleviating the deepest human suffering. Those prayers have been answered in the brave and beautiful women of Congo, in the privilege of sharing I this work with Lisa. What greater fruition to motherhood could there be? Meeting and working with other generous and fiercely committed, creative women, mothers and daughters on the Run, helping Congolese mothers regain a foothold for survival for themselves and their children, we are letting them know that someone cares when they feel abandoned by life itself. This is a humbling, powerful, regenerative work of the heart that is worthy of any woman’s soul. Next Supporter »
Colorado Run for Congo Women Jen Parsons
I am a stay at home proud Mama Bear to two amazing kiddos, 5 and 3, that keep me extraordinarily busy and constantly strapped for time. I found Women for Women International after seeing the same episode of Oprah that Lisa Shannon did when my oldest was just 6 months old. I was in tears the entire hour. When I got the email from Women for Women that Lisa was doing a run for women in the Congo, I could think of no better place than Colorado to join her efforts! The Run for Congo Women has meant more to me than I can ever describe in words. It has meant learning about truly unspeakable acts of violence against women and mothers who are just like me. It has meant I have had to come out of my comfort zone to become an activist that speaks on behalf of those whose voices are being drowned out by their screams. I have learned of my own strength, and that of so many brave and powerful women that, in my heart, aren't ever very far away. I have come to know so many amazing people that are working and sacrificing to make this world a place we can all call home without fear. It has changed who I am. For that, I am the one that is truly thankful and blessed. Next Supporter »
