Around sixty women from Beni, Butembo, and Lubero in North Kivu pledged to promote peace, social cohesion, and the fight against disinformation following a workshop held on May 21 and 22, 2026, in Beni.
The workshop was organized by the Civil Affairs Section of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), in collaboration with the Bureau for Studies and Support of International Relations in the DRC (BEARIC) and provincial authorities.
Strengthening Women’s Capacities
The meeting brought together women involved in community organizations, representatives of civil society, war-displaced women, women living with disabilities, representatives of political parties, religious organizations, as well as youth organizations.
Participants attended information sessions on the ongoing peace processes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly those taking place in Washington, Doha, Luanda, and Nairobi. They also received training in advocacy techniques and were sensitized to United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 2773 concerning women’s participation in peace processes and the protection of civilians.
Women Called to Play a More Active Role
In a security context that remains fragile in eastern DRC, organizers stressed the need to involve women more actively in stabilization efforts.
For Jean-Paul Lusenge, program officer at BEARIC and facilitator of the workshop, the objective was clear:
“We wanted to boost women’s morale regarding the current challenges, particularly the Washington and Doha agreements, and not make them mere spectators but active participants, because their place is at the table. We also worked on leadership, conflict resolution, and advocacy techniques, since our country faces several challenges that require multiple responses, including advocacy and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. It was important to share the content of the ongoing agreements in order to prevent disinformation and manipulation that may push some young people toward armed groups.”
For her part, Julienne Masika emphasized the importance of women’s full participation in conflict prevention:
“Women must participate in conflict prevention, especially regarding the violence generated by conflicts. Not only gender-based violence, because there are many forms of violence. Women must therefore be involved; they must be able to influence and change decisions, given that Resolution 1325 gives us the power to participate in peace negotiations at all levels within the framework of prevention — whether at the local level here in Beni or at the regional level.”
A Concrete Commitment at the Community Level
After two days of discussions, analysis, and reflection, the participants made concrete commitments in support of their communities.
“We are committed to raising awareness among all women in order to contribute to social cohesion and combat disinformation. This training enabled us to better understand several issues and correct certain misconceptions. Regarding Resolution 1325, we will encourage women to become more involved in its effective implementation. And concerning advocacy techniques, we are now better equipped to know what to write and to whom we should address our concerns,” said Guilaine Kavira Mwangaza, vice-president of the civil society of Kyambogho in the Lubero territory.
According to her, this workshop marks a turning point in women’s community engagement, particularly in awareness-raising and the fight against false information.
The organizers emphasized that community awareness, advocacy, and the fight against disinformation are essential tools for strengthening civilian protection and contributing to the long-term stabilization of North Kivu.
Martial Mukeba wa Mukeba & Jean-Tobie Okala
