United Nations Democracy Fund partners making a positive impact in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mobilizing for women’s participation in social and political life
In South Kivu, Palacios met with representatives from Caritas Devéloppement Bukavu (CDB), which has initiatives ranging from youth and gender equality, to peacebuilding and governance. In conflict resolution bodies in the DRC, women who represent 52% of the population are largely under-represented or almost non-represented, according to .
Investing in women’s leadership and representation are key priorities to achieve the . Moreso, women’s full, equal and meaningful participation is essential to achieving sustainable peace, as shown by UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
In discussions, the partners shared their commitments as male allies to support women in leadership positions. UNDEF has provided funding for CDB’s project focused on empowering women for social and political inclusion in the communities of South Kivu.
Advancing the rights and safety of women with disabilities
A group of Bloggers with Habari RDC pose during their meeting about women’s online and offline civic engagement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Photo courtesy of Habari RDC.
To conclude his mission to the DRC, Project Officer Palacios engaged with Habari RDC and the . Habari DRC works to close the digital gap for women through their community of unionized bloggers.
The world has witnessed a rise in hate speech, harassment, disinformation and misinformation online–often affecting women and girls disproportionately. A Habari RDC project funded by UNDEF aims to create an alternative and safe online space for Congolese women to connect, raise their voices, mobilise and engage in civic spaces, both online and offline.
