As part of the Connectivity and Transport Support Project (Projet d’Appui à la Connectivité et au Transport – PACT), which is in charge of tarmacking the Butembo-Kanyabayonga road, HEAL Africa organized a series of motorized caravans under the central theme “Understanding Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEA/SH)” to engage the community in the fight against SEA/SH.

The caravans traveled through the health zones of Butembo, Katwa, Musienene, and Lubero. They were animated by local theater groups, known for their humor, who adapted their performances this time to deliver messages focused on preventing gender-based violence (GBV) and SEA/SH.

The goal was to carry out these prevention and response activities before and during the road construction works, ensuring that both workers and surrounding communities are sensitized from the very beginning.

Motorcycle taxi drivers – highly influential in the region – actively participated in the caravans. Wearing T-shirts and caps bearing prevention slogans, they relayed calls to denounce any case of abuse and to resist offers of sexual favors in exchange for money, goods, or services.

Informing and Equipping Communities

Beyond public messaging, the caravans provided information about the reporting mechanisms in place, including complaint boxes, toll-free hotlines, and safe spaces for survivor support.

In major gatherings, questions and answers sessions created direct opportunities for dialogue with the communities. Local community radios also broadcast reports to further extend the reach of the sensitization effort.

Within PACT, HEAL Africa is mandated to mobilize and support all stakeholders and communities around SEA/SH prevention and response before, during, and even after the completion of the project.