**Fatshimetrie: When local women’s organizations fight against gender-based violence**
In the heart of the city of Beni, in North Kivu, local women’s organizations took an active part in the 16-day campaign of activism against gender-based violence. An unprecedented commitment to raise awareness and mobilize the community against a scourge that still plagues too many homes.
During the evaluation carried out on Tuesday, December 10, the representatives of these organizations expressed their satisfaction with the work accomplished. However, a shadow persists: the silence of the victims. Ange Maliro, communications officer of the women’s organization Tendo La Roho, makes a poignant appeal to victims and their loved ones to break this heavy silence. Because denouncing violence is the first step towards combating this destructive phenomenon.
The lack of denunciation of violence has disastrous consequences, generating conflicts and tensions within the community. It is time for people to speak out, for victims to find the courage to speak out and for society to mobilize to support them. The police, involved in this fight, are called upon to strengthen their support for women’s organizations to break down this wall of silence that protects the aggressors.
The awareness-raising carried out during these 16 days of activism has borne fruit. The objectives have been achieved, but there is still a long way to go. Women’s organizations are aware of the importance of continuing their work, of intensifying awareness-raising actions and of combating gender-based violence.
In this fight, joining forces is essential. Together, women’s organizations, civil society, local authorities and the population can reduce this unacceptable violence. It is time to break the silence, condemn these heinous acts and work towards a future where every woman, every girl, can live free from fear and violence.
Fatshimetrie salutes the courage and determination of local women’s organizations, and calls on everyone to mobilize to put an end to gender-based violence. The fight has only just begun, but each voice raised is a step closer to justice and equality.