I’ve been thinking a lot about this quote and how it applies to what I like to think of as service photojournalism. That is, photography that contributes to the greater good, that calls our attention to issues beyond ourselves, that asks us to help those less fortunate.

I put a lot of limits on myself. I concoct all these reasons that I can’t do what I aspire to. I imagine that, being only one girl with one voice, I can’t make a difference. But those limitations exist only in myself.

Yesterday, I found four women photographers (through this site) trying to fund a project to call attention to the ongoing war in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In their words:

This collaborative project is about rape being systematically used as a weapon of warfare in the Democratic Republic of Congo; the large-scale persecution, damage and sexual violence to people in the DRC as a form of international blackmail and a brutal exercise of power. It is a call to attention and a way of bringing another voice to a wider social consciousness about the absolute and unacceptable violation of the human body, predatory behavior towards the vulnerable and bringing lower the already dispossessed and disenfranchised.

We aim to add different dimensions to a plea that has been resoundingly heard, but largely unnoticed to an international audience….The fact that women, men and children in the DRC are being continually raped without consequence to the key perpetrators is a sign of total apathy on the side of the international community. Political pressure must be applied to counter the framework that currently exists where widespread destruction of civilian life can lead to greater political power and legitimacy of rebel forces.

In the first six months of 2010 alone, there were 7,685 cases of sexual violence reported in the DRC. And those are just the known cases. Women who come forward are often shunned by their families and community. Being violated in this way is the ultimate sign of disgrace.

I know this is a horrific thing to wrap one’s mind around. It breaks my heart, it tears me apart, to know the defenseless are being so brutalized.

But, just because it’s horrific and uncomfortable doesn’t mean we can sit back and turn a blind eye. It is our responsibility as human beings to reach out and do what we can to take care of our fellow men, women, and children.

So, I ask you to watch the following video about these photojournalists’ project. Donate to their cause, if you feel this is a project you would like to support.

Or, find another way to give back. There are countless charities out there – both created to benefit victims in the DRC and for all the persecuted of this world. There are so many in need. Find a cause that you are passionate about, and give back.

We are so fortunate to lead the lives we do. I am so blessed to have a healthy, happy, (mostly) sane family. I have friends who look out for me, and support me, and hold me close. And for them – and because of them – I have to try and make this world a safer, better, place.

To learn more about what’s going on in the DRC visit these links: 1 2 3