Empowerment of women in the Kwango and in the slums of Kinshasa

Background information

Despite some progress in certain areas of social life and legislation, discrimination against women in the DRC remains very high. This is reflected, for example, in the underrepresentation in political positions as well as in the unequal access to higher education and the labor market.

Women's workload is very high and financial autonomy is low. More than 90 percent of agricultural work is done by women. In addition, they are largely responsible for caring for the children, fetching firewood and water, and cooking. Although women contribute more money to the households than men, their decision-making power regarding the use of the money is low.

Project goals

The Women's Federation promotes knowledge of agroecology and income-generating measures through agricultural production and seeds. The Women's Federation increases the chances of young women on the labor market through a two-year vocational training. In addition, the women address the problem of malnutrition in the Kwango and support affected children and their families.

Target group

The direct beneficiaries of the activities of the Women's Federation are marginalized and needy women in girls in the province of Kwango and in some outlying communities of Kinshasa. These associations are composed of women from the partner church CEK and also women from the surrounding villages who are not members of CEK. The indirect beneficiaries include the family members of the direct beneficiaries and all those who benefit from the agricultural products.

Activities

Food Sovereignty

• In practical courses, women farmers learn how to improve their own seeds and maintain the local diversity of plant varieties.
• Women farmers receive training in agroecological farming.
• As income-generating measures, small animal and cattle breeding are promoted in various villages.

Vocational training

• In three training centers, young unemployed women receive training as seamstresses or bakers.

Awareness-raising work

• Women are sensitized on the issues of women's economic rights and gender-based violence.

Humanitarian aid against malnutrition

• Center for Malnourished Children and Women in Kasongo Lunda
• Further education and training for women in the field of malnutrition
• Awareness-raising work through radio and talks in the communities

Project progress

The Women's Federation project has been an independent project again since 2022. The activities, which were previously carried out in cooperation with the Schools for All, the Agriculture Project and the Health Project, are being continued. The vocational training of the Women's Federation is carried out independently, with women and girls receiving training as seamstresses, bakers and home economics.

In addition, since January 2022, the Women's Federation has independently responded to the plight of the numerous malnourished women and children by establishing a center for the malnourished. There, 120 children and mothers are now being cared for and nursed. The malnourished receive hygienic and medical care, are provided with food and receive psychological support. Women are supported in building a secure livelihood, and children are enrolled in school if possible.