Rwanda
Within the Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa (BCEIA), an inspiring movement is taking shape in Rwanda as women from diverse backgrounds, united by their status as breast cancer survivors, gather at the Pink Wellness House to create Knitted Knockers.
Crafting these soft prostheses for those who have undergone mastectomies, these women are dedicated to transforming the lives of fellow survivors.
“After crafting this cloth, I put wool in it, I fill up wool in this cloth until it forms a knitted breast. It gives me joy supporting breast cancer survivors”, Abarisenga Yvonne, one of the breast cancer survivors said.
According to the CEO of BCIEA/PINK HOUSE breast cancer has many disparities in Rwanda and in the whole of East Africa, or any other low-income countries because of lack of funding, stigma and lack of knowledge.
The women at the Pink Wellness stress that lack of sufficient material needed to craft to make the knitted knockers is one of the challenges the ladies face but they hope through funding and donations this problem can be solved.
The World Health Organisation Global Observatory estimates 1,131 new breast cancer cases in Rwanda annually.
Go to video
Paris Olympics: With the opening ceremony minutes away, get to know the African flag bearers
01:00
95 Libyan nationals arrested in South Africa
Go to video
South Africa appoints first woman Chief Justice
Go to video
Moroccan ex-minister who defended government critics sentenced to five years
01:43
Anti-Corruption protests erupt in Uganda's capital, inspired by Kenya
Go to video
Algerian opposition criticizes 'Authoritarian Climate' pre-election