On the occasion of International African Women’s Day, celebrated every year on 31 July, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the Association of Young Christians of the Congo (AJCC) organized an awareness-raising event for young girls and women in Bunia, Ituri Province.
The event brought together nearly 80 participants to discuss a range of topics, including the economic empowerment of young women, the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and the dangers of misinformation in the context of efforts to combat the Ebola virus disease.
The gathering also featured the presentation of certificates to 22 young women who successfully completed a six-month tailoring and dressmaking training program.
Encouraging young women to become self-reliant
For the AJCC, which organized the training through funding provided by contributions from its members, the celebration of International African Women's Day offered an important opportunity to raise awareness about the consequences of sexual violence while promoting women's empowerment.
"We wanted to seize this opportunity to encourage young girls to become self-reliant. Ituri is a province where sexual and gender-based violence is widespread and continues to increase.
Through this activity, we sought to equip young women with the knowledge and tools needed to combat this scourge, which has compromised the future of so many of them," said Dieumerci Muhindo Nyasiro, AJCC Coordinator.
Promoting education and entrepreneurship
Speaking at the event, Marie-Guy Thiayga Niang, Head of the MONUSCO Police (UNPOL) in Bunia, encouraged participants to believe in their abilities and work towards financial independence.
She urged them "to believe in their potential, dare to become entrepreneurs by prioritizing education and entrepreneurship" as a way to break the cycle of poverty and sexual violence that affects many women and girls.
Recently trained in tailoring and dressmaking, Elisabeth Kendango Ukelo, 32, highlighted the importance of vocational training in women's empowerment.
"I feel encouraged to continue what I have started—making clothes to earn an income, support myself, help others, become financially independent, and reduce my vulnerability while contributing to the development of my community," she said.
Determined to share the skills she has acquired, she now hopes to inspire other young women to follow the same path.
"Take part in training programs. Don't remain idle, because that exposes you to many dangers, including prostitution, theft, sexually transmitted diseases, and poverty," she advised.
Raising awareness on sexual violence
The Child Protection and Sexual Violence Prevention Unit (EPEPVS) of the Congolese National Police (PNC) also participated in the discussions.
Its representatives presented the various training programs received by their officers, including those delivered with the support of UNPOL as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity and professionalism of the Congolese National Police.
The presentations focused particularly on the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as the risks of sexual exploitation and abuse that may arise during humanitarian operations conducted in the context of Ebola outbreaks.
Combating misinformation on Ebola
Ebola was also a key topic during the event.
Participants were sensitized to the dangers of misinformation and false rumours in the fight against the disease.
Speakers stressed that the spread of inaccurate information can undermine prevention efforts, erode public trust in health professionals, and increase communities' vulnerability to the consequences of Ebola outbreaks.
The awareness session aimed to encourage participants to verify the information they receive and to share within their communities only messages based on reliable and credible sources.
Jean-Tobie Okala
