Photo: Sylvestre Kilolo/ MONUSCO

Goma, 25 August 2011 – The South African contingent serving with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) celebrated South African Women's Day on 24 August in the North Kivu capital, Goma.

The day was instituted by the South African Government to honor the country's women for their role in the struggle for a free South Africa. A delegation led by Brigadier-General, Winnie Bobelo, came from South Africa to show support and appreciation for the South African female peacekeepers serving in the Nord Kivu province of the DRC.

The South African male peacekeepers sang, danced and recited poems praising their female counterparts. Most songs recalled the struggle waged by women against the apartheid regime, which set the country free from oppression. In 1956, South African women led a heroic protest against Government's institutions rejecting the laws and practices of the apartheid regime.

In the North Kivu province, some 180 South-African women are currently serving under the UN flag. Besides working towards implementing MONUSCO's mandate, which include protection of civilians, the South African contingent is also committed to improving social infrastructure in the DRC, including rehabilitating roads.

In her address, Gen. Bobelo called for recognition of the role of women at every level in society. She explained that she was able to climb up the ranks, precisely because her country gave her the opportunity to serve alongside men.
Besides Goma, South-African peacekeepers are also deployed in Kichanga and Mushaki, in the territory of Masisi, as well as in Pinga and Mutongo, territory of Walikale.

Sylvestre Kilolo/ MONUSCO