The crisis of mass displacement of populations in the Democratic Republic of Congo has exacerbated gender-based violence, exploitation, and sexual abuse. In 2023, the United Nations estimated that 7 million people were displaced downstream from war in DRC, with 2.5 million in the North Kivu province alone, which is plagued by several armed conflicts.

In its mission to establish a healthy and resilient community, HEAL Africa is making efforts to mitigate the risks of gender-based violence (GBV) and exploitation, abuse, and sexual harassment in the internally displaced persons camps located in Goma and its surroundings.

The organization emphasizes the financial empowerment of women and girls. Hundreds of surviving women and at-risk young girls have benefited from professional training, thereby strengthening their autonomy within the secure spaces established for their support, psychological follow-up, and guidance after assessing their immediate needs. They have been trained in sewing, pastry making, hairdressing, pottery, basket weaving, briquette making, soap making, embroidery, among other skills.

Furthermore, the DRC’s commitment to allocate more resources in favor of women and girls to promote peace paves the way for a better integration of women’s restorative role in this wartime situation in the eastern part of the country. The late appointment of a woman as the head of the Congolese government as prime minister represents a significant step towards a more egalitarian Congo.

These remarkable initiatives and concrete actions perfectly illustrate this year’s theme: “Investing in Women to Accelerate Progress towards Sustainable Peace.” This is an inspiring example of solidarity and commitment to women, especially during this period of war in North Kivu, where women bear the heaviest burden.