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In some parts of Africa, a bra can save a women’s life. If a potential rapist sees a woman is wearing one, he will think she has a husband who has given her the money to buy one – in other words, she “belongs” to a man – and the would-be attacker will leave the woman alone.
That is why Network for Africa has shipped boxes of second hand underwear to parts of Africa where women and girls face daily terror at the hands of men. Unfortunately, officials on the continent are
clamping down on allowing second hand clothing donations in. However, we have joined with Diaspora groups who take bundles of underwear with them when they visit their countries of origin.
The photographs here show a Sudanese refugee in the UK with one of our boxes; and the recipients,
in South Sudan, which has one of the highest rates of rape and sexual assault in the world. We also
send underpants, by the way. Having underpants makes it easier for girls to attend school at all
times of the month. As so often, it is these simple fixes that have a big impact on people’s lives.
Sadly, it isn’t practical to send boxes of second hand clothes from the States. However, we hope All
Saints and Network for Africa will have a pilgrimage to Rwanda in 2019, and everyone will be
encouraged to bring second hand clothing (especially children’s garments, which are expensive in
Africa) in their luggage – so start collecting from your friends now, please. For more information,
contact Becky Tinsley at TinsleyRC@aol.com
All Saints has kindly supported Network for Africa for several years. As a way of saying thank you, we
hope you enjoy the smiles on the faces of the girls in South Sudan, with their treasured almost-new
clothes.
