Around sixty participants—including members of women’s associations, young women, and young men—took part on March 25, 2026, in Goma in a provincial forum on women’s participation in the peace process. The event was organized by MONUSCO’s Gender Section in partnership with the Collective of Women’s Associations for Development.
This forum is part of ongoing efforts to promote women’s active participation in conflict prevention and resolution, as well as in peacebuilding and sustainable development, in a province that continues to face a worrying security situation.
Coming from various women’s organizations, civil society groups, and networks of young female mediators from the city of Goma and the Nyiragongo territory, participants responded to the invitation despite heavy rainfall in the city—demonstrating their commitment to peace.
The forum was officially opened by Mamouna Ouedraogo, Head of MONUSCO’s Police component, who was on a visit to the city.
In her remarks, she highlighted the crucial role of women in peace processes, while regretting their limited involvement in peace negotiations.
“Women leaders have a very important role to play in peace agreements. Although they are often absent from discussions, their voices must be taken into account, particularly in the mechanisms currently being put in place for the ceasefire,” she stated.
For her part, Nathalie Kone Traore, representative of MONUSCO’s Gender Section, urged women to strengthen their engagement for the return of peace in the region.
“It is time to take stock of the actions carried out by women and to reflect on strategies to increase their participation. It is also essential that women understand MONUSCO’s mandate, which places particular emphasis on gender mainstreaming,” she noted.
She stressed the importance of inclusive and sustainable peace that takes women’s voices into account.
“Peace cannot be built without women. A peace built without their participation is not sustainable. I call on women in Goma, Bukavu, Ituri, and Uvira to rise up, to believe in peace, and to carry this message to their communities,” Nathalie Kone Traore emphasized.
The forum also highlighted other major issues, including the impact of disinformation on social cohesion in a region weakened by conflict.
A speaker from the Collective of Women’s Associations for Development (CAFED) stressed the dangers of this phenomenon, clearly distinguishing between disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda.
“We must avoid falling into disinformation. It fuels manipulation and divides communities. A simple rumor can be enough to trigger violence,” he warned.
At the end of the discussions, participants expressed satisfaction with the quality of the exchanges.
“It is truly a pleasure for me. We learned a great deal about the role of women in the peace process and about concrete actions to take in conflict-affected areas,” said Zaina Chaupanga Mignonne, Director of the Biesther Foundation.
Through this forum, the organizers hope to strengthen women’s engagement as key actors for peace in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Alain WANDIMOYI
