Praying for Women in South America
September 2014
Four Latin American women presidents have helped change the image of women, but machismo (masculine pride) has deep cultural roots. Many men believe they are entitled to dominate others (especially wives, children, or girlfriends), which results in aggressive abuse. Many South American families are torn apart not only by the abuse of women and children but also by immorality, corruption, drugs, and poverty.
The Economist sites a recent report by UN Women that found that, “many Latin American countries have a higher-than-average incidence of domestic violence. According to the agency, a woman is assaulted every 15 seconds in São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city. In Colombia, attacks in which acid is thrown at women’s faces, disfiguring them, nearly quadrupled between 2011 and 2012.”
Despite promises to eradicate child prostitution, the number of estimated child sex workers in Brazil stood at about half a million in 2012. stops the hunger pains and makes them feel numb, which helps them cope with the violence and danger on the streets. Pimps drug children so that, once they are hooked, they will sell their bodies to get more drugs.
Project Women's Health’s ministry is creating a circle of support. Women experiencing poverty and abuse can find God’s hope and healing through the Women of Hope programs, prayer groups, skills training, and practical support in Paraguay and Brazil. The circle is completed as those who are helped begin to reach out and help others.
In one instance, women trained at a Hannah’s House served others who were waiting to visit their family and friends in prison. Salon services (shampoos and hair styling) were provided, while some women gave away flowers, distributed literature, and ministered to the women waiting outside the prison.