DRC Feminist Leaders: ‘We Will Not Stop until Survivors’ Voices are Heard, and Justice is Served’
"Our movement members are in grave danger, simply for denouncing the cases of survivors and seeking justice," our partners in The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) shared. "We are facing reprisals. But we cannot remain silent; we have to raise our voices to protect the people we serve."
The DRC is in a devastating crisis: millions of people have been displaced due to armed conflict which has also demolished critical infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.
For over two decades, Global Fund for Women has supported feminist organizations in the DRC combatting sexual violence and promoting the rights of women and girls in all their diversity. Our movement partners have made tangible progress in educating women on their rights, empowering them to participate in politics, providing resources to survivors of gender-based violence, and increasing access to education and financial independence. Today, as violence surges, their work is more critical than ever, and we stand with them in their call for justice during this time of crisis.
Rising Violence and Funding Challenges
Cases of sexual violence are on the rise. In the last week of January alone, more than 3,000 deaths were reported by the UN. “We know that many other types of violence have not been accounted for, such as women and children raped and burned by armed groups,” our grantee partners shared. We have withheld the names of our partners for their safety.
With the collapse of the banking system in conflict zones, traditional humanitarian aid has contracted. Feminist funds continue to step up and help fill this gap by supporting local grassroots organizations building peace and security.
"We are supporting those who can escape, and providing aid to those trapped within the affected zones. Personally, I had to evacuate to the capital to continue supporting the survivors remotely, as banks in Goma are not operational. We are doing everything through mobile money transfers to help those in need."
– Global Fund for Women grantee partner (Name has been withheld for safety and privacy)
"As I write this, I am suffering from partial hearing loss from the sounds of bombs and gunfire. The people of Goma and Nyiragongo, including over 2 million displaced, are suffering in silence".
– Global Fund for Women grantee partner (Name has been withheld for safety and privacy)
Resilience and Community Building in Crisis
Despite the immense challenges, feminist organizations continue to work together to sustain peace, and advance rights while demanding justice. "We’ve been organizing community dialogues and promoting positive masculinity to reduce sexual and gender-based violence," they shared.
With the funds received from Global Fund for Women, several grantee partners gathered to host a national meeting with leaders from five provinces to amplify their operational plan to continue to support survivors. “It was a moment of hope and commitment for those who had gathered to find strength and solutions," a partner shared.
Amid this violence, many feminist groups are focusing on targeted interventions to provide aid, protection, and security for women and girls, who are the most impacted. "We are focusing on providing food security, medical aid, and educating displaced persons about physical and family security in this ongoing security crisis."
One key part of their response also includes empowering young women who are leading households on their own in times of crisis.
"We are identifying 150 young women heads of households and children facing food insecurity. These women are the backbone of their families, and they need the support to rebuild their lives in these difficult circumstances. We are organizing community discussions, conducting door-to-door outreach for education on security, and raising awareness on birth registration."
– Global Fund for Women grantee partner (Name has been withheld for safety and privacy)
"Our goal is to break the silence around sexual violence, and create a space where survivors can heal, transform, and become agents of change in their communities. We are determined to continue our work, despite the growing dangers. We will not stop until survivors’ voices are heard, and justice is served".
– Global Fund for Women grantee partner (Name has been withheld for safety and privacy)
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