Category: Sociocultural

** Athol Fugard: an essential voice of the South African theater **

Athol Fugard, pillar of the South African theater and a fervent critic of apartheid, continues to inspire by its creative resilience. At 82, his return on stage at Johannesburg rings like an echo of past struggles and presents a mirror to a company still in search of identity. His emblematic works, such as *The Blood Knot *and *Master Harold… and the Boys *, underline racial injustices while affirming the power of theater as a space of resistance and reflection. While South Africa sails contemporary political challenges, Fugard’s reflections pose crucial questions about the role of art in social transformation. This powerful heritage recalls that, faced with adversity, the voice of the theater remains a vector of humanity and hope, essential for the future generation of storytellers.

### The new status of the artist in the DRC: towards an essential recognition

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is embarking on a historical transformation with the adoption of a draft decree aimed at establishing a status for artists and culture professionals. Worn by Minister Yolande Elebe Ma Ndembo, this initiative intends to professionalize a long marginalized sector, offering recognition that transforms the company’s gaze on creators. The decree offers key measures such as social protection, continuing education and financial autonomy, while establishing a tax responsibility.

By drawing inspiration from international models like those of France and Senegal, the DRC aspires to revitalize a cultural industry with high economic potential. However, the success of this reform will depend on an effective collaboration between artists, government and private sector. By making this promise a tangible reality, the DRC could not only enhance its cultural richness, but also enrich its socio-economic development. The time has come for cultural actors to claim their place and ensure an exciting future for art in the DRC.

### Lisapo Film Lab: a revolution for Congolese cinema

Congolese cinema is at a historic turning point with the launch of ** Lisapo Film Lab **. Initiated by Emmanuel Lupia, this space of residence aims to energize the writing and the development of cinematographic projects, by emphasizing quality and inclusiveness. Of 49 projects submitted, only 8 were selected, two of which were carried by women, highlighting a desire for integration into a traditionally male industry.

The Lisapo Film Lab is not limited to the creation of scenarios, but also offers structured support to help young filmmakers navigate the cinema value chain. With an ambitious aim of expanding to all of Central Africa, this project could transform the film ecosystem of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while attracting crucial partnerships for its sustainability.

By promoting creativity and collaboration, the Lisapo Film Lab takes shape as a key player in the rise of African cinema, ready to reveal a new generation of daring narrators, capable of propeling the DRC on the international scene.

** Title: Beni: Women on the front line to support Congolese soldiers **

On this International Women’s Rights Day, the women of Beni, in North Kivu, choose to break the conventions by actively helping the Congolese soldiers. Under the impetus of Ruth Sabuni, they distribute food and property to the armed forces, affirming their essential role in a context of war where, traditionally, their voice is marginalized. Rather than getting lost in symbolic celebrations, these women demonstrate an acute understanding of their situation and the importance of a synergy between community support and military engagement. They thus claim a new image of women in conflict, not as a victim, but as a key actress of social and political change. Their initiative, which goes beyond material aid by also attacking the mental health issues of soldiers, inspires a deeper reflection on the role of women in peace and resilience. By supporting the Congolese army, they write a new chapter in the history of women’s rights, proving that heroism is also manifested in solidarity and commitment.

### The renewal of a founding work: the retreat of *somnambule land *

The reissue of * Terre somnambule * by Mia Couto, translated by Elisabeth Monteiro Rodrigues, provokes a reflection on translation and cultural identity. Published in 1992, this first novel is recognized as a classic of modern African literature, but this new translation is part of a bold approach. Rodrigues seeks to capture the poetic and linguistic wealth of Couto, of which Portuguese presents itself as a mosaic of dialects and neologisms. The retreat is not simply an update: it is an act of resistance against the homogenization of literary voices, a means of promoting African perspectives in a cultural landscape often dominated by European languages. It makes it possible to rediscover an essential work, offering a new light on the themes of mortality, identity and cultural diversity. In this context, the book is transformed into a lighthouse, a call to celebrate the often forgotten stories of a nation in search of Renaissance.

** March 8: claim the legacy of African women **

On the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day, this March 8 pushes us to recognize the vital role of African women, often overshadowed by history. From Queen Amina of Zazzau to the Dahomey Army Corps, female figures shaped African societies long before colonization. However, it has brought patriarchal structures that persist today, as evidenced by the low representation of women in politics and wage inequalities. Despite these challenges, the rise in information technology offers a new platform to female voices. Education, both girls and women, remains an essential lever for an egalitarian future, illustrated by the example of Rwanda. By mobilizing civil society, governments and economic actors, it is time to restore a fundamental place to women in the history and development of the continent. This March 8, let us commit to continuing the fight for their rights and their recognition.

** Congolese women: actresses of change and resilience **

On the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka highlighted the essential role of Congolese women during the 11th edition of the “Village de la Femme” in Kinshasa. In a context of security and economic crises, these entrepreneurs are distinguished by their resilience and their ability to transform challenges into opportunities. Their contribution to the economy, mainly through the informal sector, testifies to a promising dynamic which requires increased support, both in terms of training and access to financial resources.

Suminwa stresses that the empowerment of women is not limited to the economy, but is part of a broader vision of peace and sustainable development. Collaborations between the public and private sector, coupled with the integration of digital technologies, can catalyze this transformation. In the end, to fully achieve their potential, Congolese women must not only be celebrated, but have to benefit from concrete support which will cement their key role in the future of the DRC.

** Women’s rights: a global inventory **

As International Women’s Rights Day approaches, a Target SARL report highlights the persistent inequalities that strike women on a global scale. Although they represent almost half of the population, their access to business property and political participation varies considerably, ranging from only 13 % in South Asia to 47 % in Latin America. In regions where patriarchal standards remain anchored, micro-financing efforts are struggling to erase cultural stigmas.

Latin America is distinguished with policies promoting inclusive development, but even in these contexts, economic violence remains an obstacle. In Africa, the representation of women is still alarming, revealing gaps in local policies and the lack of support at the decision -making level.

This March 8, beyond statistics, it is crucial to understand that each figure represents a life and a story. While we celebrate advances, it is essential to question the structures that hinder fundamental advances and to engage collectively for a future where women’s rights are not only recognized, but fully achieved. The path remains long, but the change is within our reach.

** Mobilization for women’s rights: a call for urgent action **

While the third week of mobilizations for women’s rights is in full swing, the speech of the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, raises essential questions about the need to act beyond March 8 celebrations. Based on revealing statistics, he insists on the importance of collective prosperity, saying that when women are advancing, everyone benefits. However, persistent inequalities, especially in developing countries, show that progress is still far from sufficient.

Guterres also warns of violence against women, with a disturbing figure reminiscent that each ten minutes, a woman is killed by a loved one. To eradicate this scourge, he calls for a preventive education and an overhaul of cultural norms. Meanwhile, online activism, although powerful, must be accompanied by concrete actions rather than staying frozen in the superficiality of social networks.

This week must be the starting point for a collective transformation. In order for words to translate into real actions, it is imperative to integrate intersectional solutions and to move from theory to action. The future of women’s rights is in our hands, and it’s time to take up the challenge to break the stagnation of progress.

### Pope Francis: a symbol of resilience in Lent time

As the Lent approach, a period of reflection and renunciation for Catholics, the fragile health of Pope Francis arouses echoes of solidarity around the world, especially in Nigeria. While parishioners come together to pray for the Holy Father, Father Boniface Ugwo recalls the importance of this community united by faith in the face of adversity.

At 88, the Pope, faced with various health problems, embodies human vulnerability, raising questions about the future of papacy and the Church in the face of growing aging of religious leaders. Celebrated with ashes, this period is the occasion for collective introspection on solidarity and contemporary challenges.

While prayers for François circulate around the world, Lent becomes more than a simple ritual: it turns into a call for shared responsibility and empathy, while communities, nourished by its resilience, reinforce their links to the struggles of our time.