The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Participants at an intergenerational exchange workshop organised by Kvinna till Kvinna. Photo: Sandra Simbakwira

Kvinna till Kvinna has supported women’s rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since 2009. Women in the DRC face significant obstacles to accessing political power, economic resources, and basic services. Two out of three women are subjected to physical or sexual violence during their lifetime. Our partners work to challenge discriminatory gender norms and increase respect for women’s rights.

Lady Gael, participant at an intergenerational exchange workshop organised by Kvinna till Kvinna. Photo: Sandra Simbakwira

Why we work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The DR Congo has seen over 20 years of war and violent conflict, where the root causes and dynamics of the conflict are multiple and complex. Women face challenges such as:

lack of women’s political and economic participation
violence against women
educational gap and child marriages

Kvinna till Kvinna’s partners have successfully advocated for changed legislation in regards to women’s participation, and continues to fight for improved rights for women.

Mawazo was denied access to the inheritance left by her husband. With the help of Kvinna till Kvinna's partner AFEJUCO, she was able to claim her rights.

How we support women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Together with our partner organisations in Democratic Republic of the Congo, we:

provide local women’s rights organisations with opportunities to take part in learning exchanges
finance specific activities of the Rien sans les femmes movement
support women’s political participation
support women’s economic empowerment
prevent and respond to gender-based violence
strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights
arrange intergenerational exchange between Congolese WROs and WHRDs of different generations

Solange, Rien sans les Femmes' national spokesperson. Photo: Bertin Mungombe

Our partner organisations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Association des Femmes des Médias du Sud-Kivu (AFEM)
Association des Femmes Juristes Congolaises (AFEJUCO)
Caucus des Femmes
Cercle d’Échange pour le Développement des Jeunes dans la région des Grands Lacs (CEDEJ-GL)
Generation Epanouie
La Prunelle RDC
Mwanamke Kesho
Rien Sans Les Femmes (RSLF)
Solidarité des Femmes pour le Developpement Integral SOFEDI

Congolese women form ground-breaking movement

In 2015, women’s rights organisations from across the DRC united in a campaign to get gender parity written into the electoral law. Today, their Rien sans les Femmes movement is respected nationwide by the authorities.

Standing up against gender-based violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Amidst the prolonged armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, women’s rights organisations in South Kivu have been instrumental in supporting victims of gender-based violence and advocating for women’s rights for the past 25 years.

13 December 2023

Congolese changemakers reduce violence against women

A radio station reducing cases of violence against women. Eleven brave women paving way for women’s political participation despite challenges and threats. That is some of the committed work of Congolese women’s rights organisations that Petra Tötterman Andorff, our secretary-general, witnessed as she visited our partner organisations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

10 October 2022

DRC students overcome harassment and violence

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, sexual harassment of girls is a common problem in schools. Our partner organisations raise awareness of the issue and ensure teachers who violate students get suspended. Together, they make schools a safer place for everyone.

9 October 2018

Last updated or reviewed 3 April 2024