Title: The participation of women and young girls in peacebuilding: a key issue in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Introduction :
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to cause international concern. A recent article published on the Fatshimétrie blog highlights the importance of the participation of women and girls in peacebuilding efforts in this country. In this article, we will delve deeper into this topic and highlight the recommendations made by Anny Modi, representative of Congolese civil society, during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The essential role of women and girls:
Anny Modi highlights the importance of the active participation of women and girls in peacebuilding initiatives in the DRC. It highlights the fact that sexual violence remains a major problem in the country, with 35,000 cases reported for the period January to June 2023. This violence is not limited to areas occupied by armed groups, but also manifests itself in areas such as Tongo and in displacement camps near the city of Goma.
Fight against impunity and strengthen access to justice:
To respond to this challenge, Anny Modi calls for the effective implementation of measures aimed at guaranteeing access to justice for survivors and victims of sexual violence. Although the DRC has taken important legislative measures, including the creation of a national victim reparation fund and the recruitment of new magistrates, much remains to be done. Modi highlights the need to put in place suitable legal and judicial infrastructure, as well as deploy magistrates to remote areas to facilitate access to justice.
Recommendations for stakeholders:
Anny Modi makes several key recommendations for the attention of actors involved in the peace process in the DRC. She calls on United Nations agencies to strengthen initiatives for women’s participation, based on the Nairobi and Luanda peace agreements. She also calls on donors to materialize their commitment by allocating effective funding to women’s organizations.
Finally, Anny Modi urges the Congolese government to actively promote the participation and leadership of women in recovery and community stabilization initiatives.
Conclusion :
The participation of women and girls in peacebuilding in the Democratic Republic of Congo is crucial to guarantee the security and development of Congolese society. Recommendations made by Anny Modi at the United Nations Security Council meeting highlight the need for concrete action to combat sexual violence, strengthen access to justice and promote women’s leadership in the peace process .
It is imperative that the actors involved, whether UN agencies, donors or the Congolese government, take concrete measures to respond to these recommendations and guarantee lasting peace in the DRC. The equitable participation of women and girls is an essential pillar of the stability and socio-economic development of the country. Nancy Clémence Tshimueneka