UGANDA :: What's new in Uganda?

Missy and one of the girls in Kampala

Something BIG! 

We are pleased to share that the new temporary shelter for women and girls in Kampala, Uganda is open and operational, the first of its kind in the city! What a blessing for sexually abused, battered and traumatized refugee women to have a safe place to go, sheltered from their oppressors, where they can begin to heal, both inside and out. 

Did you know… The United Nations (UNFPA) estimates that 1 in 3 women, worldwide will be affected by violence in their lifetime. One in THREE daughters of God will be violated, abused, oppressed. For refugee women and girls, this reality is much harsher because this violence is compounded by war, the loss of family members and friends, inadequate food, shelter, access to medical care or education.

Our partners at Refuge and Hope worked tirelessly throughout the summer to find the perfect property to house these victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. This safe haven will be where the girls live, eat, sleep and learn trades; receive medical care (physical and gynecological exams, lab test and medications funded by The Red Thread Promise); have access to legal assistance, counseling and other critical services. 

But more importantly…

It is where they will take their first steps to leaving their past behind.
It is where they begin to move forward with their lives.
It is where they will learn to hope again. 

As we consider the dire circumstances these women and children endure, we begin to have a better understanding of the shelter’s importance. The Red Thread is proud to be a part of this ministry. 

A word of thanks from Missy in Uganda:

“Thank you [Red Thread] for tangibly assisting these women and girls in their healing process by providing medical care for these residents. It is absolutely crucial! The physical ailments that they are experiencing are also triggers and painful reminders of the traumas that they have endured. It is difficult to focus on receiving training, education or counseling when one is physically in pain.” 

The emergency shelter

Living room

Classroom

Community center