Today, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, many young girls face major challenges in terms of sexual and reproductive health. These challenges include unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS and sexual violence. Young girls are often victims of rape and other forms of sexual abuse, both in peacetime and during armed conflict.
It is alarming to note that these young girls do not always have the right information and are not fully aware of their rights when it comes to sexual health. To effectively combat sexual and gender-based violence, it is crucial to raise awareness and educate these young girls, strengthen their knowledge of their rights and put in place appropriate protection mechanisms.
With this in mind, the FEMINA Asbl association, founded by Yeyette Elonga and Bienvenu Yumbi, plays an essential role. This organization is actively committed to promoting the sexual and reproductive health of young girls in the DRC, by providing them with valuable information and supporting them to assert their rights.
To find out more about the actions of FEMINA Asbl and the means to effectively combat sexual violence in the DRC, I invite you to listen to Jody Daniel Nkashama’s interview with Yeyette Elonga and Bienvenu Yumbi, available online.
This issue highlights the crucial importance of supporting initiatives aimed at protecting the health and rights of young girls in the DRC, and putting an end to sexual violence and gender-based discrimination. Together, by informing, educating and supporting these young girls, we can contribute to a better and more equitable future for all.