Goma, 8 March 2011 – On 8 March, the International Women's Day was celebrated with splendor in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, which shares the western borders of Rwanda and Uganda.

One of the highlights of the day's celebration was an impressive parade, which kicked off at 9:00 AM, with hundreds of women of all stocks, joined by both military and civilian female staff members of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO).

Several officials attended the ceremony, including the provincial governor and representatives of various international organizations.

Another highlight was a ceremony dubbed "The Bridge of Peace", held at the border between the DRC and Rwanda. "The bridge" was meant to symbolize the new bond that women from both sides of the border have been striving to strengthen after years of conflict.

Ms. Christine Karumba, National Director of the NGO Women for Women International, said that through this symbolic act, women of these two countries are expressing their commitment to break the silence of war, and reclaim peace.
This ceremony was part of a regional campaign entitled "Join Me at the Bridge" and was launched early this year.

Alexander Essome/MONUSCO