Fatshimetrie, November 7, 2024 – A glimmer of hope shines on survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in the Dibataie sector, located in the Dibaya territory, in the heart of Kasai Central in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Indeed, a commendable initiative by the NGO Mamans AN’SOR du Congo (MAC) has made it possible to support one hundred women victims of this violence, by offering them both psychological and economic support, according to administrative sources.
Ambroise Ngalamulume, communications officer of this NGO, stressed the importance of this comprehensive support, aimed at offering survivors training in income-generating activities (IGAs). These women were thus able to benefit from advanced training in areas such as artisanal soap making, baking, and sewing. These acquired skills are intended to help them in their socio-economic reintegration, thus offering them new perspectives to rebuild their lives.
It is important to note that most of these beneficiaries were recruited from among survivors of GBV that occurred during the conflicts linked to the Kamuena Nsapu Mpandi phenomenon during the years 2016-2017. The devastating consequences of these events led some of them to find themselves widowed, while others had to face painful separations from their husbands, thus plunging them into extreme precariousness.
As part of this rehabilitation program, work kits will be distributed to beneficiaries to help them start their activities collectively, by putting into practice sales and marketing techniques taught during the training. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the sustainability of the income-generating activities set up, while offering moral and technical support to the women concerned.
In parallel, a commission of experts will soon be set up to assess the specific needs of GBV survivors in the region, and to identify the extent of the crimes that have been perpetrated against them. This approach will help to better identify the challenges to be met and propose appropriate solutions to support these women on the path to resilience.
This initiative by the NGO Mamans AN’SOR du Congo (MAC) demonstrates the importance of a holistic approach in caring for survivors of gender-based violence, by combining both psychological support and economic assistance. It embodies a message of hope and solidarity towards these courageous women, who struggle daily to rebuild their lives and find their place in society.