For decades, the province of South Kivu in the DR Congo has been characterized by conflicts fuelled by political, economic, ethnic and environmental factors. Women are particularly affected by these conflicts and bear the brunt of their consequences. Nevertheless, they are often the driving force for social change.
They are crucial for the peace process because they are networked, motivated and solution-oriented.
Women in particular are crucial to the peace process in Congo. They are networked, motivated and interested in a solution-oriented approach. As they are used to dealing with limited resources, they are economical and careful with the means entrusted to them. Their openness to new approaches, their creative potential and their courage make them pioneers. That is why they are at the heart of the project.
The project has three complementary focal points:
Peaceful conflict resolutionTogether with the Cellule de Médiation des Confessions Religieuses pour la Paix (CMCRP), we support inter-community dialog. The CMCRP conducts mediation processes where necessary - independently and locally anchored. With our support, 11 communities and local authorities were brought together. Result: The central structure for conflict prevention, the Barza Intercommunautaire, was revived. In addition, a new peace framework (CEIP) was created with 15 members from 5 communities - initiated and supported by the communities themselves.
Agriculture for Peace (AgroPax)We support the establishment of 7 AgroPax groups, in which a total of 140 women are involved - including displaced persons and people with disabilities. The groups cultivate fields together. At the same time, 5 MUSOs (solidarity savings and credit groups) were set up, which are used by 100 women. Our role: We provide support, the groups act independently.
Peace sensitization: Together with local actors, we carry out awareness-raising activities on the topic of peace in schools and camps - reaching around 6,000 children. Children and young people also produce radio spots on the topic of peace, reaching several thousand people in the region. Also active: two inter-community theater groups that we support in their peace work.
This project is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, through a program contribution.
Strengthening social cohesion and socio-economic resilience in communities affected by armed conflict on the Uvira and Fizi plateaus - through inter-community mediation, community agriculture and peace education.
In order to reduce conflicts between population groups and in the interplay of social identities and stereotypes, synergies between religious denominations should be strengthened.
In the context of the tensions between the communities in the high plateaus in Uvira and Fizi, the protection and dignity of the local communities is to be promoted.
| Project name | Peacebuilding in the province of South Kivu | |
|---|---|---|
| Project number | 34500 | |
| Partner organization: | Eglise Méthodiste Unie - Congo Est | |
| Project participants: | 14 members of the CMCRP. They will organize mediation, dialogue and awareness-raising measures themselves. | 80 women/girls who are members of the AgroPax groups: They will organize their agricultural activities under the guidance of the agronomists and the project team. | 25 leaders take part in the Day of Togetherness and its preparations. They define and translate the message of peace. | 200 members of the community associations take part in the Day of Togetherness. | 3,000 radio listeners will listen to the educational spots and interact with them. | |
| Country: | Democratic Republic of the Congo | |
| Region: | South Kivu | |
| Budget: | CHF 40'000 | Yes |
| Running time: | Since 2017 |
