** Awareness of gender -based violence: a call for action in Kimbanseke, Kinshasa **
On June 7, 2025, the town of Kimbanseke, east of Kinshasa, was the scene of an awareness day on a subject of crucial importance: gender -based violence (VBG). Organized by the ASBL “Action Plus”, this initiative aimed to shed light on an audience particularly affected by this problem, often marked by impunity and stigma.
** An alarming observation **
The context in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is worrying. Sexual violence and VBG in particular are largely documented problems, exacerbated by a high rate of armed conflicts, especially in the east of the country. Women and girls are often the first victims there, and their suffering is particularly aggravated by the absence of specialized services for survivors. The testimonies of Françoise Luzolo, young people’s advisor within the ASBL, highlight the various aspects of this reality: rape, sexual exploitation of minors, early or forced marriages, and sexual harassment.
** A call to break the silence **
One of the strong messages of this awareness day was the appeal launched to Kimbanseke’s women and girls to break the silence. Mrs. Luzolo encouraged the participants to denounce the violence they undergo or observe. This encouragement to speak can be perceived as an essential approach in a context where isolation and shame often associated with VBGs slow the expression of victims. Consequently, how to create an environment where these women feel safe to share their experiences? This question is central in the fight against VBG.
** A change of mentality **
The phenomenon of “amicable arrangements” is another point raised by Ms. Luzolo. The fight against VBGs requires, according to her, a change of mentality, to favor the legal paths to sanction the authorized. This point raises questions about the perception of justice in Congolese society. How to strengthen confidence in a legal system often perceived as defaulting? Awareness seems essential, but it must be accompanied by a reform of judicial structures and institutional support to be truly effective.
** Long -term consequences **
The consequences of VBGs are not limited to the present. Unwanted pregnancies, the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, and the psychological impacts on victims harm not only to individuals, but also affect families and society as a whole. This need to alert public opinion and mobilize both institutions and communities on these issues is vital. The question remains: what role can local organizations, community leaders and governments in this struggle play?
** Towards a proactive future **
Finally, the observation according to which awareness must be extended to the whole population is undoubtedly one of the most relevant. Ms. Luzolo called on the participants to become ambassadors of the cause by raising awareness around them. Indeed, education for sexual health and women’s rights could help prevent VBG. This raises the question of a more inclusive educational policy, aimed at training young generations in respect for others and gender equality.
The awareness day in Kimbanseke is a step towards the emancipation of women and an active fight against gender -based violence. The path is strewn with pitfalls, but the reflections raised and the shared testimonies are all keys to considering a future where each individual, regardless of his genre, can live in dignity and security. The collective responsibility of the company, organizations and institutions is to continue to feed dialogue and seek concrete solutions to fight this scourge.