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. Find out from two women of different ethnic backgrounds how they are doing pioneering work with their openness, courage and creativity.
"Before I joined this project, I was very suspicious of members from other ethnic groups, and they were suspicious of me too. We called each other enemies.
But in the meantime, a peaceful coexistence has developed between us. My best friend Matumaini Bweyo, who belongs to the Bafuliru ethnic group, is like a big sister to me and an aunt to my children. We share a lot of things,» says Nakanyere Anitha.
Today, Nakanyere is the president of one of the groups in the "AgroPax" program, where women from different communities cultivate fields together. She is also a member of the village savings bank, which enables her to finance her small grocery store.
Rose Nabintu Wanguwabo, project coordinator, adds: «We realized how multi-layered a woman is: she carries vulnerability within her, but there is also great strength in her. We realized that she can shape a new society through her strength. With this strength, she not only creates resources and manages them responsibly, but also courageously stands up for justice. And without courageous and committed women, building and maintaining peace is inconceivable.»
Because we want to make a contribution to promoting peace, we support the project in the province of South Kivu - as well as numerous other projects that give hope.
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