It is shocking what is happening to many women in Central Asia. That's why the Danish European Mission has joined the fight to help vulnerable women there. Unfortunately, there is a tradition of women being beaten and subjected to various forms of abuse.
During a visit to the area in September, I spoke to several different vulnerable women. One of them was a mother, Zarina, who had to flee with her children to avoid being killed by her husband. Not long ago, he had drunkenly given her five minutes to leave the house at 2am. If she disobeyed the order, he would kill her. She fled with her children and they found a hiding place where I met her in September.
Another example was a young girl who was persecuted because she had become a Christian. Her life was in danger. After a long period of humiliation, she chose to flee from those who harassed her. Her mother had changed when she became a Christian. Once she was caught by her family, and then they cut off her hair.
I had to put on a scarf. Can you imagine what it's like without hair? The abused me physically. But I decided to give my mom a chance. For four months, nothing changed. Then I knew where I could get help, she says.
Danish European Mission collaborates with organizations whose mission is to combat the violence and degradation that is commonplace for many vulnerable women in this part of the world. They help women who are so badly affected that they have to flee malicious men and others in the community who threaten their lives.
Violence and abuse are part of their lives. The worst part is that in many cases the women begin to believe that they have no value and therefore end up in unhappy situations. During my recent trip to the area, I met women who had already had part of their lives destroyed.
But through a joint project, vulnerable women receive help, care and training in how to sew and make jewelry. This means that the women get help to help themselves - they start earning money and can subsequently support their children. These are women who need a new start in life. Women who especially need to feel that they have value.
By helping women find a safe place to live and by teaching them to sew and make jewelry, together we can change their future.
You can make a gift now and help change the lives of vulnerable women in Central Asia. Your help will have a huge impact on women affected by violence and degradation. It will help them escape a life of exploitation and equip them for the future.
*The name Zarina is made up for security reasons
