DR Congo: 16 Days Of Activism - Working Together To End Gender-Based Violence

By Jean Baptiste Mirindi, SBCC Advisor

From 25 November to 10 December 2024, World Vision organised a 16-day campaign of activism against gender-based violence (GBV) in the Kasai province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This initiative took place in the Kitangua and Nyanga health zones, as part of the GAINS-TUYA KUMPALA project, funded by USAID and implemented by Mercy Corps and World Vision, in collaboration with local partners.

The campaign's main aim, whose theme was ‘No Excuse’, was to raise community awareness of GBV, promote gender equality and strengthen protection mechanisms for women and girls. It also aimed to mobilise local players for concerted action against violence and to encourage victims to report abuse.

Discussions were held with 32 women aged between 18 and 29. At the same time, large-scale awareness-raising sessions were organised by key informants in schools and places of worship to better inform the population about the different forms of GBV and how to prevent them.

The campaign reached thousands in the Kitangua and Nyanga health zones, raising awareness of GBV and promoting cooperation between community players to combat the problem. Participants acknowledged that many forms of GBV exist in the community, but often go unreported or unrecognised due to a lack of knowledge.

‘We firmly believe that every child deserves to grow up in a safe and protective environment. Gender-based violence should not be considered normal in the communities of Nyanga and Kitangua. This is why we are committed to working with the communities to put an end to this violence, denounce the perpetrators, and take strict measures to discourage them while supporting the victims in their recovery and promoting gender equality, said Théodose Bahati, Health, Nutrition and WASH Technical Manager at World Vision in Tshikapa.

World Vision's 16-day campaign in Kasai province was a remarkable success in the fight against GBV. It not only raised community awareness but also built local capacity to better prevent and respond to GBV. The GAINS-TUYA KUMPALA project, supported by USAID/BHA, continues to play a fundamental role in promoting inclusive, violence-free societies. It works to reduce food, nutrition, and economic insecurity by improving livelihoods, diversifying nutritious diets, promoting hygiene practices, and encouraging gender equality.