The International Day of Rural Women was commemorated in Kenge, the capital of Kwango province, on October 28, 2026. The event was organized by the Provincial Division of Gender, Family, and Child, in collaboration with the STAR-RDC project. The theme of the event was "Rural Women: Mothers of All," and it brought together women and stakeholders to discuss the challenges faced by rural women, including armed conflicts, gender-based violence, poverty, food insecurity, and limited access to markets and decision-making processes.
The event was addressed by Professor Jean-Claude Mubalama, the provincial coordinator of the STAR-RDC project in Grand-Bandundu, on behalf of Brigitte Kapinga Sauda, the general coordinator of STAR-RDC. Mubalama emphasized that the project aims to support the Congolese government's initiative to revive and stabilize communities. The project focuses on supporting rural women to enhance their participation in decision-making processes and improve their livelihoods.
Maguy Malagano Omari, an expert on gender-based violence within the STAR-RDC project, presented the actions of component 6.4, which is dedicated to institutional support. This component aims to strengthen the participation of rural women in the fight against violence, abuse, harassment, and sexual exploitation in the agricultural value chain. It also seeks to support their empowerment and leadership.
Thérèse Ilongo, the head of the Provincial Division of Gender, Family, and Child, expressed gratitude to STAR-RDC for its support and accompaniment in promoting women's activities in Kwango. The discussions during the event focused on the situation of women in the face of conflicts, poverty, and gender-based violence, as well as their contribution to development and the means to strengthen their autonomy.
The participants at the event called upon the authorities to improve access to land documents, justice, and support mechanisms for rural women. They emphasized that the contribution of rural women to food security depends on their protection from violence, access to resources, and participation in decision-making processes. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges faced by rural women and explore ways to address them.
The International Day of Rural Women commemoration in Kenge highlights the critical role that rural women play in food production, security, and development. The event demonstrated the commitment of stakeholders to supporting rural women and promoting their empowerment and leadership. The STAR-RDC project and the Provincial Division of Gender, Family, and Child are working together to address the challenges faced by rural women and enhance their participation in decision-making processes.
Key stakeholders, including government officials, project coordinators, and experts, participated in the event, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in promoting the rights and empowerment of rural women. The commemoration of the International Day of Rural Women in Kenge serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize the needs and concerns of rural women in development initiatives.
Key points
- The event highlighted the crucial role of rural women in food production and security.
- The STAR-RDC project is working to support rural women and promote their empowerment and leadership.
- The participants called for improved access to land documents, justice, and support mechanisms for rural women.
