Vassar & Company Properties (VCP) announced today a groundbreaking partnership with The Mordecai Project to assist in funding the construction of a Women's Empowerment Center in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This initiative marks a significant step in VCP's commitment to social responsibility and global community development, aligning with the company's four pillars: Community, Partner, Invest, and Grow.
The Urgent Need: The DRC has one of the worst records of mistreatment of women globally, unofficially known as the "rape capital of the world." Countless women have endured trauma during times of conflict. Recent reports from UN Women highlight the increased vulnerability of women and girls in Eastern DRC due to renewed violence, resulting in a devastating humanitarian crisis[1].
The Women's Empowerment Center: The center will address these challenges by offering:
Tailoring school with sewing machines and supplies
Comprehensive literacy program
Trauma counseling services for rape victims
School and daycare for children of single mothers
The Mordecai Project's Progress: Led by Rev. Udjasiri and Josephine Wakahasha, The Mordecai Project has been active in Goma since 2021. They have:
Completed a sewing center in October 2021
Raised $20,000 for the women's empowerment center
Purchased necessary equipment
Expanded services and support for women
Began assisting refugees from the Kivu region who had been raped by rebel soldiers
Current Financial Goals:
$5,000 annual costs for the tailoring school and literacy classes
$60,000 construction costs for the school and classrooms[2]
VCP's Commitment: "This partnership perfectly embodies our commitment to community engagement and social impact," said Vanessa Theriault, Managing Partner at VCP. "We're investing in the future of countless women and their families, aligning with our four pillars and making a tangible difference where it's needed most."
Call to Action: VCP invites other corporations, investors, and individuals to join in supporting this transformative project. For more information, visit The Mordecai Project: https://themordecaiproject.org/
About The Mordecai Project: The Mordecai Project is a Christian ministry dedicated to confronting abuse, empowering women, and transforming nations through collaborative outreach with churches worldwide[2].
To learn more, visit:
The Mordecai Project: https://themordecaiproject.org/
Women's Empowerment Center - Goma, Congo: https://themordecaiproject.org/team/womens-empowerment-center-in-goma/
Ongoing Projects: https://themordecaiproject.org/projects/
Sources:
[1] UN Women. (2025, February 4). Press briefing on the situation of women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo. https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/press-briefing/2025/02/press-briefing-by-un-women-on-the-situation-of-women-and-girls-in-the-democratic-republic-of-congo
[2] The Mordecai Project. (2025). Women's Empowerment Center in Goma. https://themordecaiproject.org/team/womens-empowerment-center-in-goma/
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