As part of Pink October, the month dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, the United Nations Police (UNPOL) in Bunia organized an information session on Wednesday, October 28, focusing on the prevention of breast and cervical cancer, as well as sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The event brought together around fifty women from the Congolese National Police (PNC), the Senegalese Formed Police Unit (FPU), civil society organizations, and the local community.
In a province where women continue to face significant health and protection challenges, the initiative aimed to strengthen their knowledge of risk factors, warning signs, and the importance of early screening for women's cancers. Discussions also focused on preventing sexual and gender-based violence, reporting mechanisms, and available support services for survivors.
Raising awareness to strengthen prevention
Led by healthcare professionals and stakeholders committed to protecting women, the session gave participants an opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues that remain insufficiently addressed in some communities.
According to Dr. José Wanican, a gynecologist and Director of the Bunia Referral Health Centre, raising awareness is essential to encouraging early screening and improving patient care. According to the figures she presented, breast cancer is responsible for an estimated 3,416 deaths annually in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In Ituri, due to the lack of consolidated statistics, each health zone reportedly records at least two cases per month.
"We reviewed the risk factors, symptoms, and prevention methods for breast and cervical cancer. There is still a significant need for awareness-raising in Ituri. Despite the efforts of women's associations, reaching all communities remains difficult, particularly because of insecurity in certain areas," she explained.
Women empowered with knowledge, communities better informed
Beyond providing medical information, the organizers aimed to turn participants into awareness-raising advocates within their families, neighborhoods, and communities.
For Esther, a vendor at Bunia's central market, the meeting helped her better understand the importance of taking prompt action when faced with health concerns and violence.
"I have understood that we should not wait when we notice something unusual about our bodies. It is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible. We also learned whom to approach to report sexual violence. In turn, we will share this information with other women, especially those who were unable to attend this meeting," she said.
Strengthening prevention and support for survivors
The meeting also emphasized the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence and the support available to survivors.
"Our organization supports women who have survived violence, particularly through vocational training designed to promote their independence. However, prevention begins above all with raising community awareness and improving knowledge of the available support services," said Noëlla Mwinda, Coordinator of the NGO Fraternité.
By bringing together Congolese policewomen, UN peacekeepers, healthcare professionals, civil society representatives, and local women, this MONUSCO initiative also sought to strengthen cooperation with communities and empower participants to serve as awareness-raising advocates on women's health and protection.
Didier Vignon Dossou-Gbakon
