The winners of the 2023 Prize come from all continents. This year, the Special Committee received more than 400 nominations from Member States, the United Nations system and civil society. Among the laureates, we find Julienne Lusenge, a Congolese woman who has distinguished herself by her constant contribution to the human rights of women for more than 40 years.
Ms. Lusenge is Chair of the Board of Directors of Solidarité Féminine pour la Paix et le Développement Intégral (SOFEPADI) and Director of the Fund for Congolese Women (FFC), which has been helping victims of wartime sexual violence for more than 30 years. Her engagement ranges from preventing and reducing sexual and gender-based violence to strengthening women’s participation and leadership in peacebuilding, political engagement and civil society.
It is in particular her remarkable work with women victims of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that earned her the honor of the 2023 Prize. Julienne Lusenge enables women to regain control of their lives and positively influence their communities. She is a source of inspiration and an example of determination and courage for all women.
The 2023 Prize is not the first Ms. Lusenge has received. She has already been rewarded on numerous occasions for her commitment to women victims of violence. She has received the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, the International Women’s Courage Award from the US State Department and the Ginetta Sagna Award from Amnesty International USA.
The appointment of Julienne Lusenge as deputy coordinator of the national mechanism for monitoring the Addis Ababa agreement also demonstrates the recognition of her expertise and her commitment to the cause of women in the DRC.
In a statement following the receipt of the 2023 Prize, Julienne Lusenge expressed her gratitude and honor to have received this distinction. She also underlined that despite the progress made, there is still a lot to be done to support survivors of gender-based violence in the DRC.
Julienne Lusenge is an inspiring example of determination, courage and commitment to the cause of women in the DRC and around the world. His work and his positive impact on society deserve to be recognized and valued