“Believe in yourself and in your abilities. Being a woman is neither a crime nor a fatality. You can also succeed where some men have succeeded.”
This was the core message delivered across Ituri on the occasion of the launch of Women’s Month, a period dedicated to promoting women’s rights and combating gender-based violence. Since the beginning of March, the different components of MONUSCO, the United Nations Police, the Force, and civilian sections — have multiplied awareness-raising activities to encourage women’s participation in social and community life, while strengthening their protection as well as that of children.
Alarming trends
The latest figures published by the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) reveal a worrying trend: 542 human rights violations and abuses were documented in November 2025, representing a 28% increase compared to the previous month. Nine out of ten cases were recorded in conflict-affected areas — North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri — and mainly involved women and children. The UNJHRO even estimates that these statistics are likely below the actual reality.
In Ituri, the provincial coordination of the Congolese Association of Women Lawyers reports another alarming figure: 27,000 cases of sexual and gender-based violence recorded in 2025, compared to 13,000 in 2024. This sharp increase illustrates the scale of the crisis.
Women in Ituri face many forms of violence: forced marriages, rape, domestic violence, humiliation, harassment and restrictions, imposed economic dependency, psychological violence, physical violence, femicides, and more recently digital violence facilitated by digital technologies and social media. These forms of violence deeply affect survivors psychologically, physically, socially and economically.
MONUSCO supporting communities
To support the efforts of authorities and partners, peacekeepers deployed in Gina, in Djugu territory, brought together this week representatives of the Association for the Hope of Women of Gina (AEFG). Discussions focused on challenges related to education, culture and health in the region.
Across Ituri, other awareness-raising activities were also organized: in Bunia, Katoto, Bayoo, Rhoe, Arr, Seseli, as well as in Komanda in Irumu territory. Hundreds of women were informed about their rights, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women’s participation in conflict prevention, and their role in the pursuit of peace.
In Seseli, around twenty women were sensitized and another hundred benefited from free medical consultations.
In Komanda, more than 250 women took part in a session on peace and the protection of their rights, welcoming the initiative as essential support in a context where women remain the primary victims of violence perpetrated by armedgroups.
“A glimmer of hope”
For Jeanna Alasha, an advocate for women’s rights, positive signs are beginning to emerge:
“We, the women of Ituri, see a glimmer of hope. We must support the government, MONUSCO and partners to consolidate this peace. Before, on March 8, we dressed in black. Today, we wear green and white to say that there is hope. Women see the change, even if they do not always say it.”
Activities will continue throughout this month dedicated to promoting women’s rights, with the hope of sustainably reversing the trend and strengthening women’s role in building lasting peace in Ituri.
Jean-Tobie Okala
