Democratic Republic of the Congo

Ongoing Conflict and Its Impact on Women

The Democratic Republic of Congo continues to face devastating violence, particularly in the eastern region, where armed groups like M23 have intensified attacks, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. As communities flee for safety, women and children bear the brunt of the crisis—facing heightened risks of gender-based violence, loss of livelihoods, and limited access to essential services. Women for Women International remains committed to supporting women affected by this ongoing conflict. 

Right now, we are urgently seeking funds to help evacuate women to safer areas and access the life-saving resources they need. Your support today can make a critical difference as we navigate the turbulent days ahead.
 

Our Work in DRC

Women for Women International developed our Stronger Women, Stronger Nations (SWSN) program to build up women’s knowledge and skills in the eastern region of DRC.

Since 2004, our DRC program has supported and trained women in communities affected by conflict. Our training provides women with knowledge of their rights and the training to become decision makers at home and in their communities. Our SWSN also connects them with Village Savings Loan Association (VSLAs), which allows them to deploy their skills and vocational training to generate income and save money while contributing to economic self-sufficiency for themselves and their families. 

Male leaders, community members, and male family members of our program participants also enroll in our Men’s Engagement Program, where they are supported to change their behavior toward women’s rights and accept a bigger role for women in their communities.

As Change Agents, women are trained to advocate for their rights and inclusion and in their communities. Our advocacy in the region includes partnerships with local organizations, advocating for women’s rights, and the establishment of an advocacy alliance to raise the voices of marginalized decision makers across the eastern region of DRC.

We also expanded our health insurance projects to increase women’s access to affordable healthcare through Village Savings Loan Associations (VSLAs). This project provides micro-insurance for women in VSLAs groups to enter into agreements with local healthcare providers and receive preferential rates. This acts as a type of accreditation, which allows women to earn and save capital to pay for healthcare. This project resulted in a 50 per cent reduction in fees for women and their families seeking health services.

“What helps me deal with what I went through is the knowledge that I am not alone. Those who keep encouraging me give me the courage to continue.”

-Nabintu, SWSN Participant

Workforce Training Partnerships

Since 2008, Bloomberg Philanthropies has supported marginalized women in sub-Saharan Africa to gain new job skills, basic business training, life skills, and a support network. Through their generous grant, Bloomberg Philanthropies has supported innovative programming to support women’s economic development and leadership roles in their communities in DRC. 

The Impact

• Since 2004, we have reached 113,419 women.   

• 2,609 women graduated from SWSN Program in 2023.  

• 100% of women report saving a portion of their earnings by the time they graduate, compared to 18% at enrollment. 

• 100% of women report receiving earnings from income-generating activities by graduation. 

• 88% of women report being involved in decision-making to work and earn money after graduation, compared to 37% at the beginning of the program.  

• 85% of women increased their earnings in 2023.  

• Last year, 665 men enrolled in our Men’s Engagement Program, and 21,895 have been reached since the program's inception.