In Uvira, the closing of Women's Rights Month brought together authorities and civil society around the promotion of equality. The discussions emphasized the fight against sexual violence and the strengthening of protection for survivors. Speakers called for intensifying actions against gender-based violence.

South Kivu province officially ended, this Friday, the month dedicated to promoting women's rights, traditionally celebrated around March 8. In Uvira, the closing ceremony was held at City Hall, under the aegis of the Provincial Division of Gender, Family and Children, in partnership with several national and international organizations.

The event brought together provincial and urban authorities, civil society actors as well as numerous women from various communities. The discussions primarily focused on the promotion of the rights of women and girls, as well as on combating sexual and gender-based violence, an increasingly alarming scourge in the province.

The head of the Division of Gender, Family and Children reassured participants by announcing that concrete measures are already underway combining increased awareness, care for survivors and strengthening of protection mechanisms. In her speech, Joséphine Kasabantu Ponga commended the commitment of authorities while urging civil society organizations to redouble their efforts in the fight against gender-based violence, in order to ensure better protection of women and girls.

Beyond the interventions, a highly symbolic gesture marked this closing: three trees were planted by women from different communities, as a sign of peace and harmonious cohabitation. Initiated by the Gender, Family and Children Office, this action is intended as a message of hope in a region regularly tested by crises.

The organizers thus wanted to recall the pivotal role of women in consolidating peace and rebuilding the social fabric. For Marie Mithila Ponga, head of the Gender, Family and Children Office in Uvira, "it is essential that women strengthen their solidarity to promote the return of social cohesion in this entity weakened by conflicts".

For his part, Roger Mugisho, adviser to the governor, reaffirmed the provincial executive's commitment to supporting all initiatives in favor of women's rights. He committed to faithfully relaying the concerns expressed to his superiors for concrete action.

Through this combination of institutional advocacy and a strong symbol, the closing of Women's Rights Month in Uvira recalls the importance of maintaining mobilization to build a more just, equitable and peaceful society in South Kivu.

Joséphine Mungubi