**Conference-debate in Uvira: Young people and women key actors in local governance**
At a time when citizen participation and the inclusion of young people and women in local governance are major issues, a conference-debate recently organized in Uvira, Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighted the importance of their commitment to promote peace and development at the local level.
This initiative, led by the Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission (CDJP) of Uvira, is part of the “Pamoja kwa Mabadiliko” (Together for Change) project, funded by the international NGO CAFOD. Its objective is clear: to strengthen the civic engagement of young people and women in favor of more inclusive local democratic governance.
During this conference, led by Me Cédric Mangala, project manager, participants had the opportunity to discuss the challenges and obstacles hindering the participation of women and young people in local decision-making processes. Concrete recommendations emerged, emphasizing the need to adopt a mentality of peace, collaboration and citizen control over the management of public affairs.
Martin Nyongolo Luwawa, Director General of the Higher Institute for Rural Development (ISDR-UVIRA), stressed the importance of raising awareness among young people and women about the social and political issues in their region. He also denounced certain behaviors that are detrimental to social cohesion, calling for collective awareness and concrete actions to foster a climate of harmonious development.
Beyond the findings, this conference marks a new step in efforts to further involve the youth and women of Uvira in building more transparent, inclusive and participatory local governance. By supporting living together and promoting collaboration, these civil society actors are committed to working together for a better future for their community.
Ultimately, this meeting was an opportunity to reaffirm the essential role of young people and women in the political and social life of the Uvira region, while emphasizing the need to strengthen their capacity to positively influence decisions that concern them. Through this dynamic of mobilization and citizen action, a new era of more inclusive and participatory local governance could then emerge, thus offering promising prospects for the future of the region.