Kisangani, 23 March 2013 – The Gender section of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) organized on 14 March an awareness session on the promotion of women's rights in Kisangani, province Orientale. More than fifty female members of a Widow's Association in Lubunga known as (AMAVEL) were called upon to stand up for their rights and energetically fight all forms of violence against women.

Régine Bosiyo, leader of AMAVEL, explains that the initiative was prompted by women's ignorance in Lubunga, district of province Orientale, preventing them from attaining self-fulfillment.

Two themes were addressed by the awareness session: human rights and fight against the different forms of violence. Jean-Luc Monekay, vice-president of the Justice and Peace commission of the church Sainte Marthe said the sensitization is an appeal for women to stay awaken.

What should be done to lift these widows out lethargy? Charlotte Ngungi Biala, of MONUSCO Gender section called on the Congolese Government and NGOs to sensitize further and help the women pull out the cycle of ignorance and poverty. She pledged to support debriefing sessions by participants in their respective districts.

Anselme Masua/ Radio Okapi/ MONUSCO