In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in North Kivu province, humanitarian actors and partners gathered in the city of Béni for a meeting. The primary goal was to discuss and enhance coordination among these groups in preparation for the upcoming International Day of the Girl and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This event is scheduled to take place starting October 3, 2026.
Julien Nkuba, the head of the Gender Division in North Kivu, emphasized the importance of coordination during the meeting. He stated that the work of humanitarians, particularly those from civil society organizations, should not be scattered but rather unified. Nkuba suggested that having a common platform for exchanging information and reporting activities to the Gender Division would significantly improve their efforts. This initiative aims to bring together various stakeholders to work more cohesively.
The meeting also focused on following up on recommendations from a previous gathering and preparing for the commemorative days. Participants included members of the Gender thematic group, who discussed the need for concerted efforts to ensure the success of these events. The event is part of a broader strategy to combat gender-based violence and support affected communities in the region.
Specific organizations, such as DfJ, IRC, and Star Est, have outlined their activities in the fight against Ebola and support for households affected by the disease. These activities include providing assistance to households that have lost multiple members due to Ebola, which also aims to address poverty. The organizations will use a template provided by the Gender Division to report their activities, and a compiled report will be presented in the protection cluster.
Members of the Gender thematic group welcomed the initiative, believing it will enhance their working methods on the ground. By improving coordination and communication, these actors hope to increase the effectiveness of their interventions. The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving their goals, particularly in the context of the upcoming commemorative events.
The event in Béni is part of a larger effort to strengthen humanitarian response in North Kivu province. By working together and sharing information, organizations can better support communities affected by gender-based violence and other challenges. The coordination efforts will continue beyond the commemorative events, aiming to establish a sustainable framework for collaboration.
The discussions in Béni highlighted the commitment of humanitarian actors in North Kivu to improving their coordination and effectiveness. As the International Day of the Girl and the 16 Days of Activism approach, these efforts will be crucial in raising awareness and supporting victims of gender-based violence. The collaboration among various stakeholders is seen as a positive step towards achieving these goals.
Key points
- The meeting in Béni aimed to enhance coordination among humanitarian actors in North Kivu province ahead of the International Day of the Girl and the 16 Days of Activism.
- The event focused on the importance of a unified approach to humanitarian work, with a common platform for information exchange and activity reporting.
- Organizations such as DfJ, IRC, and Star Est outlined their activities in support of affected households and in the fight against Ebola.
