Peace grows between sweet potatoes and eggplants<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, women are doing impressive peace work. They come from ethnic groups that are in conflict with each other. But they hoe, sow and harvest together in the fields.
<\/strong><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCorinna B\u00fctikofer is a program manager at Connexio hope and develop. She visited the country in November 2024. In this interview, she talks about how the women build trust in each other and why peace remains fragile and vulnerable.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0Corinna, you worked with the women in the field during your visit in November. What was on your mind and in your heart?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWell, that's just for show (laughs). A woman put a hoe in my hand and then they laughed and said: come on, we'll all hoe now! We had fun together, there was a connection from woman to woman, I was part of it. And: it's hard work, hard soil, not loose garden soil. And in the strong sun and heat.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWho are the women next to you? It's a special community.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis is one of four groups in the project. The women come from different population groups that are often hostile to each other. A year and a half ago, they were still strangers to each other and had inhibitions. Now they visit each other. They also help each other in the private fields, as this helps them to make faster progress. A group that was thrown together has become a real community. They have achieved something together and are proud of their group. They have been able to break down prejudices.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat exactly do the women do?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThey grow sweet potatoes and eggplants, they decided that together. They harvest together. They keep some for themselves and sell some. And part goes into the project as a reserve. They also learn something about ecology. They pay in loans to the savings group and use them. What's more, the women learn from each other, they complement each other. They dare to talk. They have equal rights, but there is a group leader.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat motivates a woman to take part? What does she have to bring or be able to do?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne reason is certainly the prospect of change and improvement. Many of the women cannot read or write. They are carefully selected and informed. They also have a trial day to see if it fits.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat impresses you?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne woman said that if there are conflicts in Uvira, she now knows that she will find protection with the family of a woman of a different ethnicity. That gives her a sense of security. The constructed enmities are dissolved. Or a woman from an ethnic group that is not so highly regarded should lead the group. She was very quiet and hardly dared to say anything. Now she leads with confidence, she laughs and everyone thinks: keep on leading! It is impressive to see what women can achieve under very adverse circumstances. How they create change that is tangible for them and makes them proud. So far, there are no conflicts that cannot be resolved.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow did the peace project come about?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt was Bishop Unda's wish to promote a project for peaceful coexistence. This does not mean peace, joy and pancakes, but that people can live side by side. This project was convincing. It has been repeatedly adapted to the situation and has developed well.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is needed for peace; who needs to do what?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt the international level, as long as states profit from the war in eastern Congo because it makes it easier for them to exploit resources, there can be no peace. In addition, there is structural global injustice. We cannot live so well in Switzerland without others being badly off. Locally, we need an awareness of the need to reach out to one another. And the elites, both nationally and regionally, must stop playing power games. Peace is very fragile and vulnerable. No matter how well you work on the project. In a short time, everything can be destroyed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLike when the delicate peace plant is flattened with a bulldozer...<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYes, exactly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYou don't always hack, what's your job?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI accompany the project, i.e. I try to understand it. If I don't understand something, I ask questions. Questions sometimes help to get to the heart of things or to see things that you don't yet know. And I translate what they do and how they do it and get involved into the language of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFinally, what do you wish for the project?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThat the peace plant is not overrun by a bulldozer. Changes in the balance of power worldwide can have a negative impact and destroy the project very quickly. Things are not looking rosy in the global North and South. I hope that the project can remain an island of hope for women.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFeatured photo: The women painstakingly prepare the ground. Photo private, zVg\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe current situation (as of August 2025)<\/strong><\/div>\u00a0<\/div>The situation is deteriorating rapidly. Ongoing fighting and a severe humanitarian crisis are leading to displacement, torture and sexualized violence. Not only Goma, the most important center in North Kivu in eastern Congo, has been taken over by the rebel group M23. Also in Bukavu<\/a> there is great need. The M23 is supported by Rwandan soldiers.\u00a0<\/p>
In the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, women are doing impressive peace work. They come from ethnic groups that are in conflict with each other. But they hoe, sow and harvest together in the fields.
<\/strong><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCorinna B\u00fctikofer is a program manager at Connexio hope and develop. She visited the country in November 2024. In this interview, she talks about how the women build trust in each other and why peace remains fragile and vulnerable.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0Corinna, you worked with the women in the field during your visit in November. What was on your mind and in your heart?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWell, that's just for show (laughs). A woman put a hoe in my hand and then they laughed and said: come on, we'll all hoe now! We had fun together, there was a connection from woman to woman, I was part of it. And: it's hard work, hard soil, not loose garden soil. And in the strong sun and heat.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWho are the women next to you? It's a special community.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis is one of four groups in the project. The women come from different population groups that are often hostile to each other. A year and a half ago, they were still strangers to each other and had inhibitions. Now they visit each other. They also help each other in the private fields, as this helps them to make faster progress. A group that was thrown together has become a real community. They have achieved something together and are proud of their group. They have been able to break down prejudices.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat exactly do the women do?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThey grow sweet potatoes and eggplants, they decided that together. They harvest together. They keep some for themselves and sell some. And part goes into the project as a reserve. They also learn something about ecology. They pay in loans to the savings group and use them. What's more, the women learn from each other, they complement each other. They dare to talk. They have equal rights, but there is a group leader.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat motivates a woman to take part? What does she have to bring or be able to do?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne reason is certainly the prospect of change and improvement. Many of the women cannot read or write. They are carefully selected and informed. They also have a trial day to see if it fits.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat impresses you?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne woman said that if there are conflicts in Uvira, she now knows that she will find protection with the family of a woman of a different ethnicity. That gives her a sense of security. The constructed enmities are dissolved. Or a woman from an ethnic group that is not so highly regarded should lead the group. She was very quiet and hardly dared to say anything. Now she leads with confidence, she laughs and everyone thinks: keep on leading! It is impressive to see what women can achieve under very adverse circumstances. How they create change that is tangible for them and makes them proud. So far, there are no conflicts that cannot be resolved.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow did the peace project come about?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt was Bishop Unda's wish to promote a project for peaceful coexistence. This does not mean peace, joy and pancakes, but that people can live side by side. This project was convincing. It has been repeatedly adapted to the situation and has developed well.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is needed for peace; who needs to do what?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt the international level, as long as states profit from the war in eastern Congo because it makes it easier for them to exploit resources, there can be no peace. In addition, there is structural global injustice. We cannot live so well in Switzerland without others being badly off. Locally, we need an awareness of the need to reach out to one another. And the elites, both nationally and regionally, must stop playing power games. Peace is very fragile and vulnerable. No matter how well you work on the project. In a short time, everything can be destroyed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLike when the delicate peace plant is flattened with a bulldozer...<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYes, exactly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYou don't always hack, what's your job?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI accompany the project, i.e. I try to understand it. If I don't understand something, I ask questions. Questions sometimes help to get to the heart of things or to see things that you don't yet know. And I translate what they do and how they do it and get involved into the language of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFinally, what do you wish for the project?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThat the peace plant is not overrun by a bulldozer. Changes in the balance of power worldwide can have a negative impact and destroy the project very quickly. Things are not looking rosy in the global North and South. I hope that the project can remain an island of hope for women.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFeatured photo: The women painstakingly prepare the ground. Photo private, zVg\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe current situation (as of August 2025)<\/strong><\/div>\u00a0<\/div>The situation is deteriorating rapidly. Ongoing fighting and a severe humanitarian crisis are leading to displacement, torture and sexualized violence. Not only Goma, the most important center in North Kivu in eastern Congo, has been taken over by the rebel group M23. Also in Bukavu<\/a> there is great need. The M23 is supported by Rwandan soldiers.\u00a0<\/p>
Corinna B\u00fctikofer is a program manager at Connexio hope and develop. She visited the country in November 2024. In this interview, she talks about how the women build trust in each other and why peace remains fragile and vulnerable.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\u00a0Corinna, you worked with the women in the field during your visit in November. What was on your mind and in your heart?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWell, that's just for show (laughs). A woman put a hoe in my hand and then they laughed and said: come on, we'll all hoe now! We had fun together, there was a connection from woman to woman, I was part of it. And: it's hard work, hard soil, not loose garden soil. And in the strong sun and heat.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWho are the women next to you? It's a special community.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis is one of four groups in the project. The women come from different population groups that are often hostile to each other. A year and a half ago, they were still strangers to each other and had inhibitions. Now they visit each other. They also help each other in the private fields, as this helps them to make faster progress. A group that was thrown together has become a real community. They have achieved something together and are proud of their group. They have been able to break down prejudices.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat exactly do the women do?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThey grow sweet potatoes and eggplants, they decided that together. They harvest together. They keep some for themselves and sell some. And part goes into the project as a reserve. They also learn something about ecology. They pay in loans to the savings group and use them. What's more, the women learn from each other, they complement each other. They dare to talk. They have equal rights, but there is a group leader.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat motivates a woman to take part? What does she have to bring or be able to do?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne reason is certainly the prospect of change and improvement. Many of the women cannot read or write. They are carefully selected and informed. They also have a trial day to see if it fits.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat impresses you?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne woman said that if there are conflicts in Uvira, she now knows that she will find protection with the family of a woman of a different ethnicity. That gives her a sense of security. The constructed enmities are dissolved. Or a woman from an ethnic group that is not so highly regarded should lead the group. She was very quiet and hardly dared to say anything. Now she leads with confidence, she laughs and everyone thinks: keep on leading! It is impressive to see what women can achieve under very adverse circumstances. How they create change that is tangible for them and makes them proud. So far, there are no conflicts that cannot be resolved.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow did the peace project come about?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt was Bishop Unda's wish to promote a project for peaceful coexistence. This does not mean peace, joy and pancakes, but that people can live side by side. This project was convincing. It has been repeatedly adapted to the situation and has developed well.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is needed for peace; who needs to do what?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt the international level, as long as states profit from the war in eastern Congo because it makes it easier for them to exploit resources, there can be no peace. In addition, there is structural global injustice. We cannot live so well in Switzerland without others being badly off. Locally, we need an awareness of the need to reach out to one another. And the elites, both nationally and regionally, must stop playing power games. Peace is very fragile and vulnerable. No matter how well you work on the project. In a short time, everything can be destroyed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLike when the delicate peace plant is flattened with a bulldozer...<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYes, exactly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYou don't always hack, what's your job?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI accompany the project, i.e. I try to understand it. If I don't understand something, I ask questions. Questions sometimes help to get to the heart of things or to see things that you don't yet know. And I translate what they do and how they do it and get involved into the language of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFinally, what do you wish for the project?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThat the peace plant is not overrun by a bulldozer. Changes in the balance of power worldwide can have a negative impact and destroy the project very quickly. Things are not looking rosy in the global North and South. I hope that the project can remain an island of hope for women.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFeatured photo: The women painstakingly prepare the ground. Photo private, zVg\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe current situation (as of August 2025)<\/strong><\/div>\u00a0<\/div>The situation is deteriorating rapidly. Ongoing fighting and a severe humanitarian crisis are leading to displacement, torture and sexualized violence. Not only Goma, the most important center in North Kivu in eastern Congo, has been taken over by the rebel group M23. Also in Bukavu<\/a> there is great need. The M23 is supported by Rwandan soldiers.\u00a0<\/p>
Well, that's just for show (laughs). A woman put a hoe in my hand and then they laughed and said: come on, we'll all hoe now! We had fun together, there was a connection from woman to woman, I was part of it. And: it's hard work, hard soil, not loose garden soil. And in the strong sun and heat.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
Who are the women next to you? It's a special community.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis is one of four groups in the project. The women come from different population groups that are often hostile to each other. A year and a half ago, they were still strangers to each other and had inhibitions. Now they visit each other. They also help each other in the private fields, as this helps them to make faster progress. A group that was thrown together has become a real community. They have achieved something together and are proud of their group. They have been able to break down prejudices.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat exactly do the women do?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThey grow sweet potatoes and eggplants, they decided that together. They harvest together. They keep some for themselves and sell some. And part goes into the project as a reserve. They also learn something about ecology. They pay in loans to the savings group and use them. What's more, the women learn from each other, they complement each other. They dare to talk. They have equal rights, but there is a group leader.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat motivates a woman to take part? What does she have to bring or be able to do?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne reason is certainly the prospect of change and improvement. Many of the women cannot read or write. They are carefully selected and informed. They also have a trial day to see if it fits.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat impresses you?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne woman said that if there are conflicts in Uvira, she now knows that she will find protection with the family of a woman of a different ethnicity. That gives her a sense of security. The constructed enmities are dissolved. Or a woman from an ethnic group that is not so highly regarded should lead the group. She was very quiet and hardly dared to say anything. Now she leads with confidence, she laughs and everyone thinks: keep on leading! It is impressive to see what women can achieve under very adverse circumstances. How they create change that is tangible for them and makes them proud. So far, there are no conflicts that cannot be resolved.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow did the peace project come about?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt was Bishop Unda's wish to promote a project for peaceful coexistence. This does not mean peace, joy and pancakes, but that people can live side by side. This project was convincing. It has been repeatedly adapted to the situation and has developed well.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is needed for peace; who needs to do what?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt the international level, as long as states profit from the war in eastern Congo because it makes it easier for them to exploit resources, there can be no peace. In addition, there is structural global injustice. We cannot live so well in Switzerland without others being badly off. Locally, we need an awareness of the need to reach out to one another. And the elites, both nationally and regionally, must stop playing power games. Peace is very fragile and vulnerable. No matter how well you work on the project. In a short time, everything can be destroyed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLike when the delicate peace plant is flattened with a bulldozer...<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYes, exactly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYou don't always hack, what's your job?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI accompany the project, i.e. I try to understand it. If I don't understand something, I ask questions. Questions sometimes help to get to the heart of things or to see things that you don't yet know. And I translate what they do and how they do it and get involved into the language of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFinally, what do you wish for the project?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThat the peace plant is not overrun by a bulldozer. Changes in the balance of power worldwide can have a negative impact and destroy the project very quickly. Things are not looking rosy in the global North and South. I hope that the project can remain an island of hope for women.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFeatured photo: The women painstakingly prepare the ground. Photo private, zVg\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe current situation (as of August 2025)<\/strong><\/div>\u00a0<\/div>The situation is deteriorating rapidly. Ongoing fighting and a severe humanitarian crisis are leading to displacement, torture and sexualized violence. Not only Goma, the most important center in North Kivu in eastern Congo, has been taken over by the rebel group M23. Also in Bukavu<\/a> there is great need. The M23 is supported by Rwandan soldiers.\u00a0<\/p>
This is one of four groups in the project. The women come from different population groups that are often hostile to each other. A year and a half ago, they were still strangers to each other and had inhibitions. Now they visit each other. They also help each other in the private fields, as this helps them to make faster progress. A group that was thrown together has become a real community. They have achieved something together and are proud of their group. They have been able to break down prejudices.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
What exactly do the women do?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThey grow sweet potatoes and eggplants, they decided that together. They harvest together. They keep some for themselves and sell some. And part goes into the project as a reserve. They also learn something about ecology. They pay in loans to the savings group and use them. What's more, the women learn from each other, they complement each other. They dare to talk. They have equal rights, but there is a group leader.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat motivates a woman to take part? What does she have to bring or be able to do?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne reason is certainly the prospect of change and improvement. Many of the women cannot read or write. They are carefully selected and informed. They also have a trial day to see if it fits.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat impresses you?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne woman said that if there are conflicts in Uvira, she now knows that she will find protection with the family of a woman of a different ethnicity. That gives her a sense of security. The constructed enmities are dissolved. Or a woman from an ethnic group that is not so highly regarded should lead the group. She was very quiet and hardly dared to say anything. Now she leads with confidence, she laughs and everyone thinks: keep on leading! It is impressive to see what women can achieve under very adverse circumstances. How they create change that is tangible for them and makes them proud. So far, there are no conflicts that cannot be resolved.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow did the peace project come about?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt was Bishop Unda's wish to promote a project for peaceful coexistence. This does not mean peace, joy and pancakes, but that people can live side by side. This project was convincing. It has been repeatedly adapted to the situation and has developed well.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is needed for peace; who needs to do what?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt the international level, as long as states profit from the war in eastern Congo because it makes it easier for them to exploit resources, there can be no peace. In addition, there is structural global injustice. We cannot live so well in Switzerland without others being badly off. Locally, we need an awareness of the need to reach out to one another. And the elites, both nationally and regionally, must stop playing power games. Peace is very fragile and vulnerable. No matter how well you work on the project. In a short time, everything can be destroyed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLike when the delicate peace plant is flattened with a bulldozer...<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYes, exactly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYou don't always hack, what's your job?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI accompany the project, i.e. I try to understand it. If I don't understand something, I ask questions. Questions sometimes help to get to the heart of things or to see things that you don't yet know. And I translate what they do and how they do it and get involved into the language of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFinally, what do you wish for the project?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThat the peace plant is not overrun by a bulldozer. Changes in the balance of power worldwide can have a negative impact and destroy the project very quickly. Things are not looking rosy in the global North and South. I hope that the project can remain an island of hope for women.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFeatured photo: The women painstakingly prepare the ground. Photo private, zVg\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe current situation (as of August 2025)<\/strong><\/div>\u00a0<\/div>The situation is deteriorating rapidly. Ongoing fighting and a severe humanitarian crisis are leading to displacement, torture and sexualized violence. Not only Goma, the most important center in North Kivu in eastern Congo, has been taken over by the rebel group M23. Also in Bukavu<\/a> there is great need. The M23 is supported by Rwandan soldiers.\u00a0<\/p>
They grow sweet potatoes and eggplants, they decided that together. They harvest together. They keep some for themselves and sell some. And part goes into the project as a reserve. They also learn something about ecology. They pay in loans to the savings group and use them. What's more, the women learn from each other, they complement each other. They dare to talk. They have equal rights, but there is a group leader.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
What motivates a woman to take part? What does she have to bring or be able to do?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne reason is certainly the prospect of change and improvement. Many of the women cannot read or write. They are carefully selected and informed. They also have a trial day to see if it fits.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat impresses you?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne woman said that if there are conflicts in Uvira, she now knows that she will find protection with the family of a woman of a different ethnicity. That gives her a sense of security. The constructed enmities are dissolved. Or a woman from an ethnic group that is not so highly regarded should lead the group. She was very quiet and hardly dared to say anything. Now she leads with confidence, she laughs and everyone thinks: keep on leading! It is impressive to see what women can achieve under very adverse circumstances. How they create change that is tangible for them and makes them proud. So far, there are no conflicts that cannot be resolved.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow did the peace project come about?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt was Bishop Unda's wish to promote a project for peaceful coexistence. This does not mean peace, joy and pancakes, but that people can live side by side. This project was convincing. It has been repeatedly adapted to the situation and has developed well.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is needed for peace; who needs to do what?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt the international level, as long as states profit from the war in eastern Congo because it makes it easier for them to exploit resources, there can be no peace. In addition, there is structural global injustice. We cannot live so well in Switzerland without others being badly off. Locally, we need an awareness of the need to reach out to one another. And the elites, both nationally and regionally, must stop playing power games. Peace is very fragile and vulnerable. No matter how well you work on the project. In a short time, everything can be destroyed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLike when the delicate peace plant is flattened with a bulldozer...<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYes, exactly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYou don't always hack, what's your job?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI accompany the project, i.e. I try to understand it. If I don't understand something, I ask questions. Questions sometimes help to get to the heart of things or to see things that you don't yet know. And I translate what they do and how they do it and get involved into the language of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFinally, what do you wish for the project?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThat the peace plant is not overrun by a bulldozer. Changes in the balance of power worldwide can have a negative impact and destroy the project very quickly. Things are not looking rosy in the global North and South. I hope that the project can remain an island of hope for women.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFeatured photo: The women painstakingly prepare the ground. Photo private, zVg\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe current situation (as of August 2025)<\/strong><\/div>\u00a0<\/div>The situation is deteriorating rapidly. Ongoing fighting and a severe humanitarian crisis are leading to displacement, torture and sexualized violence. Not only Goma, the most important center in North Kivu in eastern Congo, has been taken over by the rebel group M23. Also in Bukavu<\/a> there is great need. The M23 is supported by Rwandan soldiers.\u00a0<\/p>
One reason is certainly the prospect of change and improvement. Many of the women cannot read or write. They are carefully selected and informed. They also have a trial day to see if it fits.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
What impresses you?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne woman said that if there are conflicts in Uvira, she now knows that she will find protection with the family of a woman of a different ethnicity. That gives her a sense of security. The constructed enmities are dissolved. Or a woman from an ethnic group that is not so highly regarded should lead the group. She was very quiet and hardly dared to say anything. Now she leads with confidence, she laughs and everyone thinks: keep on leading! It is impressive to see what women can achieve under very adverse circumstances. How they create change that is tangible for them and makes them proud. So far, there are no conflicts that cannot be resolved.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow did the peace project come about?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt was Bishop Unda's wish to promote a project for peaceful coexistence. This does not mean peace, joy and pancakes, but that people can live side by side. This project was convincing. It has been repeatedly adapted to the situation and has developed well.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is needed for peace; who needs to do what?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt the international level, as long as states profit from the war in eastern Congo because it makes it easier for them to exploit resources, there can be no peace. In addition, there is structural global injustice. We cannot live so well in Switzerland without others being badly off. Locally, we need an awareness of the need to reach out to one another. And the elites, both nationally and regionally, must stop playing power games. Peace is very fragile and vulnerable. No matter how well you work on the project. In a short time, everything can be destroyed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLike when the delicate peace plant is flattened with a bulldozer...<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYes, exactly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYou don't always hack, what's your job?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI accompany the project, i.e. I try to understand it. If I don't understand something, I ask questions. Questions sometimes help to get to the heart of things or to see things that you don't yet know. And I translate what they do and how they do it and get involved into the language of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFinally, what do you wish for the project?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThat the peace plant is not overrun by a bulldozer. Changes in the balance of power worldwide can have a negative impact and destroy the project very quickly. Things are not looking rosy in the global North and South. I hope that the project can remain an island of hope for women.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFeatured photo: The women painstakingly prepare the ground. Photo private, zVg\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe current situation (as of August 2025)<\/strong><\/div>\u00a0<\/div>The situation is deteriorating rapidly. Ongoing fighting and a severe humanitarian crisis are leading to displacement, torture and sexualized violence. Not only Goma, the most important center in North Kivu in eastern Congo, has been taken over by the rebel group M23. Also in Bukavu<\/a> there is great need. The M23 is supported by Rwandan soldiers.\u00a0<\/p>
One woman said that if there are conflicts in Uvira, she now knows that she will find protection with the family of a woman of a different ethnicity. That gives her a sense of security. The constructed enmities are dissolved. Or a woman from an ethnic group that is not so highly regarded should lead the group. She was very quiet and hardly dared to say anything. Now she leads with confidence, she laughs and everyone thinks: keep on leading! It is impressive to see what women can achieve under very adverse circumstances. How they create change that is tangible for them and makes them proud. So far, there are no conflicts that cannot be resolved.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
How did the peace project come about?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt was Bishop Unda's wish to promote a project for peaceful coexistence. This does not mean peace, joy and pancakes, but that people can live side by side. This project was convincing. It has been repeatedly adapted to the situation and has developed well.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is needed for peace; who needs to do what?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt the international level, as long as states profit from the war in eastern Congo because it makes it easier for them to exploit resources, there can be no peace. In addition, there is structural global injustice. We cannot live so well in Switzerland without others being badly off. Locally, we need an awareness of the need to reach out to one another. And the elites, both nationally and regionally, must stop playing power games. Peace is very fragile and vulnerable. No matter how well you work on the project. In a short time, everything can be destroyed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLike when the delicate peace plant is flattened with a bulldozer...<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYes, exactly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYou don't always hack, what's your job?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI accompany the project, i.e. I try to understand it. If I don't understand something, I ask questions. Questions sometimes help to get to the heart of things or to see things that you don't yet know. And I translate what they do and how they do it and get involved into the language of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFinally, what do you wish for the project?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThat the peace plant is not overrun by a bulldozer. Changes in the balance of power worldwide can have a negative impact and destroy the project very quickly. Things are not looking rosy in the global North and South. I hope that the project can remain an island of hope for women.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFeatured photo: The women painstakingly prepare the ground. Photo private, zVg\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe current situation (as of August 2025)<\/strong><\/div>\u00a0<\/div>The situation is deteriorating rapidly. Ongoing fighting and a severe humanitarian crisis are leading to displacement, torture and sexualized violence. Not only Goma, the most important center in North Kivu in eastern Congo, has been taken over by the rebel group M23. Also in Bukavu<\/a> there is great need. The M23 is supported by Rwandan soldiers.\u00a0<\/p>
It was Bishop Unda's wish to promote a project for peaceful coexistence. This does not mean peace, joy and pancakes, but that people can live side by side. This project was convincing. It has been repeatedly adapted to the situation and has developed well.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
What is needed for peace; who needs to do what?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt the international level, as long as states profit from the war in eastern Congo because it makes it easier for them to exploit resources, there can be no peace. In addition, there is structural global injustice. We cannot live so well in Switzerland without others being badly off. Locally, we need an awareness of the need to reach out to one another. And the elites, both nationally and regionally, must stop playing power games. Peace is very fragile and vulnerable. No matter how well you work on the project. In a short time, everything can be destroyed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLike when the delicate peace plant is flattened with a bulldozer...<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYes, exactly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYou don't always hack, what's your job?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI accompany the project, i.e. I try to understand it. If I don't understand something, I ask questions. Questions sometimes help to get to the heart of things or to see things that you don't yet know. And I translate what they do and how they do it and get involved into the language of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFinally, what do you wish for the project?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThat the peace plant is not overrun by a bulldozer. Changes in the balance of power worldwide can have a negative impact and destroy the project very quickly. Things are not looking rosy in the global North and South. I hope that the project can remain an island of hope for women.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFeatured photo: The women painstakingly prepare the ground. Photo private, zVg\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe current situation (as of August 2025)<\/strong><\/div>\u00a0<\/div>The situation is deteriorating rapidly. Ongoing fighting and a severe humanitarian crisis are leading to displacement, torture and sexualized violence. Not only Goma, the most important center in North Kivu in eastern Congo, has been taken over by the rebel group M23. Also in Bukavu<\/a> there is great need. The M23 is supported by Rwandan soldiers.\u00a0<\/p>
At the international level, as long as states profit from the war in eastern Congo because it makes it easier for them to exploit resources, there can be no peace. In addition, there is structural global injustice. We cannot live so well in Switzerland without others being badly off. Locally, we need an awareness of the need to reach out to one another. And the elites, both nationally and regionally, must stop playing power games. Peace is very fragile and vulnerable. No matter how well you work on the project. In a short time, everything can be destroyed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
Like when the delicate peace plant is flattened with a bulldozer...<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYes, exactly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYou don't always hack, what's your job?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI accompany the project, i.e. I try to understand it. If I don't understand something, I ask questions. Questions sometimes help to get to the heart of things or to see things that you don't yet know. And I translate what they do and how they do it and get involved into the language of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFinally, what do you wish for the project?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThat the peace plant is not overrun by a bulldozer. Changes in the balance of power worldwide can have a negative impact and destroy the project very quickly. Things are not looking rosy in the global North and South. I hope that the project can remain an island of hope for women.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFeatured photo: The women painstakingly prepare the ground. Photo private, zVg\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe current situation (as of August 2025)<\/strong><\/div>\u00a0<\/div>The situation is deteriorating rapidly. Ongoing fighting and a severe humanitarian crisis are leading to displacement, torture and sexualized violence. Not only Goma, the most important center in North Kivu in eastern Congo, has been taken over by the rebel group M23. Also in Bukavu<\/a> there is great need. The M23 is supported by Rwandan soldiers.\u00a0<\/p>
Yes, exactly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
You don't always hack, what's your job?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI accompany the project, i.e. I try to understand it. If I don't understand something, I ask questions. Questions sometimes help to get to the heart of things or to see things that you don't yet know. And I translate what they do and how they do it and get involved into the language of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFinally, what do you wish for the project?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThat the peace plant is not overrun by a bulldozer. Changes in the balance of power worldwide can have a negative impact and destroy the project very quickly. Things are not looking rosy in the global North and South. I hope that the project can remain an island of hope for women.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFeatured photo: The women painstakingly prepare the ground. Photo private, zVg\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe current situation (as of August 2025)<\/strong><\/div>\u00a0<\/div>The situation is deteriorating rapidly. Ongoing fighting and a severe humanitarian crisis are leading to displacement, torture and sexualized violence. Not only Goma, the most important center in North Kivu in eastern Congo, has been taken over by the rebel group M23. Also in Bukavu<\/a> there is great need. The M23 is supported by Rwandan soldiers.\u00a0<\/p>
I accompany the project, i.e. I try to understand it. If I don't understand something, I ask questions. Questions sometimes help to get to the heart of things or to see things that you don't yet know. And I translate what they do and how they do it and get involved into the language of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
Finally, what do you wish for the project?<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThat the peace plant is not overrun by a bulldozer. Changes in the balance of power worldwide can have a negative impact and destroy the project very quickly. Things are not looking rosy in the global North and South. I hope that the project can remain an island of hope for women.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFeatured photo: The women painstakingly prepare the ground. Photo private, zVg\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe current situation (as of August 2025)<\/strong><\/div>\u00a0<\/div>The situation is deteriorating rapidly. Ongoing fighting and a severe humanitarian crisis are leading to displacement, torture and sexualized violence. Not only Goma, the most important center in North Kivu in eastern Congo, has been taken over by the rebel group M23. Also in Bukavu<\/a> there is great need. The M23 is supported by Rwandan soldiers.\u00a0<\/p>
That the peace plant is not overrun by a bulldozer. Changes in the balance of power worldwide can have a negative impact and destroy the project very quickly. Things are not looking rosy in the global North and South. I hope that the project can remain an island of hope for women.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
The situation is deteriorating rapidly. Ongoing fighting and a severe humanitarian crisis are leading to displacement, torture and sexualized violence. Not only Goma, the most important center in North Kivu in eastern Congo, has been taken over by the rebel group M23. Also in Bukavu<\/a> there is great need. The M23 is supported by Rwandan soldiers.\u00a0<\/p>
![\"con-line\"](\"https:\/\/connexio.ch\/develop\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/12\/con-line.svg\" "\\"con-line\\"")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t