Congolese changemakers reduce violence against women

In September Petra Tötterman Andorff visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She met with partner organisations from the provinces of South Kivu and North Kivu.

The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation’s Secretary-General Petra Tötterman Andorff together with women politicians and potential candidates who are being mentored by our partner organisation Women’s Peace Caucus in the DR Congo. Photo: Kvinna till Kvinna/Judith Maroy

One of the organisations visited was Caucus des femmes pour la paix. The organisation works to strengthen gender equality and peace through women’s political participation and decision-making. During her visit, Petra was given the opportunity to listen to the stories of eleven women from both urban and rural areas who are holding or candidating for political positions.

“Their stories show the picture of these brave women’s force and courage, despite the challenges and threats they encounter”, says Solange Lwashiga Furaha, executive secretary at Caucus des femmes pour la paix.

Ending violence through radio

During her stay in South Kivu, Petra Tötterman Andorff also visited Kvinna till Kvinna’s partner organisation AFEM (Association des Femmes des Médias du Sud Kivu). AFEM is a network of female journalists who work to promote and build women’s rights, gender equality and peace by means of radio.

A must was to see the studio of Mama Radio—the community radio station of AFEM. In an exchange with local activists the work of AFEM, using radio as a tool to strengthen women’s right and combat violence against women, was evaluated. The method has proven to be successful, and the participants could report on a decrease in cases of violence against women and girls as well as of sexual violence in their local community.

“Thanks to Mama Radio, we have been able to break the silence on sexual violence, people are better informed and sexual and reproductive health issues are no longer taboo. The authorities are also held accountable on sexual violence issues and the media are mobilised on violence issues,” Julienne Baseke, coordinatior at AFEM, explains.

To be the change

Petra Tötterman Andorff expresses a deep appreciation for the work that is being done by Kvinna till Kvinna’s partner organisations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She highlights how both women and men engage in the fight for women’s rights and against all forms of violence.

“They are committed to being the change they want to see in their community”, she says.

Whether it regards gender-based violence, reproductive health, or lasting peace, there is a growing awareness among both women and men in the Congolese society of the power they each hold to be a part in achieving gender equality and peace. And Petra Tötterman Andorff stresses that they are not alone:

“There are women all over the world constantly fighting for women’s rights. Together we can push the agenda for gender equality and feminist peace!”