Women in humanitarian action in South Kivu and Maniema
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCA) recently encouraged women to continue their humanitarian actions in South Kivu and Maniema. During a celebration of awareness raising days on the humanitarian response in Bukavu, the humanitarian affairs officer at OCHA/South Kivu, Godelieve Sipula, underlined the vital role that women play within communities and praised their efforts to provide food and non-food aid to victims of natural disasters.
It is important to highlight the often overlooked role of women in humanitarian action. They play a vital role in communities, but it’s time to support and encourage them so they can continue to make a difference. Humanitarian actors will continue to be present as long as persistent crises exist.
Godelieve Sipula advocated for increased support from partners for women’s actions at all levels. It is crucial to recognize their contribution and support them in their humanitarian efforts. It is also essential to put in place concrete measures to provide them with adequate support and the necessary resources.
As part of sensitization, activities such as a walk and a leisure football match were organized between women’s organizations, UN agencies and international NGOs. A conference and an open day are also planned at WFP headquarters in Bukavu.
These initiatives aim to strengthen solidarity and encourage women to continue their humanitarian actions. It is important to recognize the importance of their role and to support them in their efforts to help communities affected by crisis situations.
By encouraging women to continue their humanitarian engagement, we are helping to build more resilient communities and bring about positive change in regions plagued by humanitarian challenges. They are an invaluable force in crisis response and deserve our full support and recognition