Secli-Wendji, 22 March 2012 – Some 300 women in Secli-Wendji, a neighbourhood in the outskirts of Mbandaka, capital of the Equateur province, attended a workshop organized by the Office of Public Information of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). The aim was to discuss issues relating to rural women of that locality, situated about 20km south of the provincial capital. The workshop was organized as part of the activities of the month of March devoted to women.

During the discussions which took place at the neighbourhood market, the MONUSCO team created awareness among these women, most of whom were rural or small-scale traders, on their empowerment. They were strongly encouraged to invest in revenue-generating as well as farming activities.

Louis Botobe, the neighbourhood chief opened the workshop and Gertrude Lingala, President of the Youth Parliament, actively participated by transmitting the message to her sisters in the local language.

Jean-Tobie Okala/ MONUSCO