YWCA in Kitwe, Zambia

by Global Ministries | published on Oct 10, 2014

The YWCA has not been a partner for a very long time. Years ago, Global Ministries had a missionary presence at the “Y”, but since that time communication had been lost. Given this previous association and the proximity to the other partners, it was thought to be a good idea to visit there as well.

The facilities provide a home for more than 15 children. It was disheartening to hear that they had all been abused and that most, if not all, have been sexually abused. Here they can be children without fear encompassing their lives.

The visit was a poignant reminder of the humiliation and suffering that so many women must face. The “Y” focuses on two basic services to the community – care for vulnerable children, particularly those who have been abused and abandoned, and battered women.

I arrived just as a young woman was leaving whose story I was to learn later during the visit. I met with two staff persons as the Director was not present. There was polite but friendly conversation between strangers. However, when the conversation turned to the work being done with battered women, there was a turn in the tone of conversation. The lady in charge at the center shared with me the story of the woman. Although I don’t know the name of the woman, I will use the name Sarah. Sarah had just been released from jail. She had been there for more than a year. Fortunately, three of the five children had been taken in by the Y. The two others were staying with her sister.

Sarah was arrested following the death of her husband. As it is in many countries, Sarah was blamed for the husband’s death by his family. His family took everything that Sarah and her husband had accumulated together as husband and wife. After being beaten and abused, the family threatened Sarah’s life. She was taken into police custody for her own protection. However, the court system failed her and she remained in jail for over one year. Once she was released she returned to be reunited with her children. She moved in with her sister and the five children. As this became more and more of a burden on the sister, she went to the “Y” for assistance. With no job, no source of income and the in-laws still nearby, she turned to the “Y” to get help. She felt as if she had lost her dignity and too much time away from her children. She simply wanted help getting a job so that she could take care of her children. She reminded me of so many women that I meet in Africa who have so much strength.