A two-day forum has commenced in Ituri, Democratic Republic of the Congo, bringing together representatives from various communities to explore ways to strengthen the role of women in preventing violence, resolving conflicts, and participating in decision-making instances. The event, organized by the Provincial Division of Gender, Family, and Child, aims to encourage women to transform their experiences into concrete recommendations that can be submitted to decision-makers.
Claudine Nzeni, political advisor to the military governor of Ituri, has called on participants to ensure that their recommendations are applicable and relevant to the current situation. The forum's discussions are centered around three main themes: conflict prevention, peace consolidation, and women's participation in decision-making mechanisms. These themes are crucial in the context of Ituri, where women often bear the brunt of conflict.
The forum is part of the "Women, Peace, and Security" agenda and will contribute to the development of the third-generation Provincial Action Plan for 2026-2028. Jean-Marc Mazio, head of the Provincial Division of Gender, Family, and Child, is presiding over the event. The plan aims to promote women's empowerment and participation in peacebuilding processes.
Participants are expected to formulate recommendations that will enhance women's representation in peace initiatives, increase their involvement in conflict prevention, and improve their access to decision-making spaces. The forum is being held with the technical support of UN Women and in collaboration with the NGO ACIAR.
The event in Ituri is a significant step towards promoting women's participation in peacebuilding and decision-making processes in the region. By bringing together women from different communities, the forum provides a platform for them to share their experiences and develop concrete solutions to the challenges they face.
According to Chadrack Byaruhanga, reporting from Bunia, the forum is an opportunity for women to take ownership of their role in promoting peace and security in Ituri. The recommendations that emerge from the forum will be crucial in shaping the provincial actions in favor of peace and security.
The participation of women in peace mechanisms is essential for sustainable peace and development in Ituri. The forum's outcomes will be closely watched by stakeholders who are committed to promoting women's empowerment and participation in decision-making processes.
Key points
- Women representatives from different communities in Ituri have gathered to discuss ways to enhance their role in conflict prevention and decision-making.
- The forum aims to develop concrete recommendations that can be submitted to decision-makers to promote women's participation in peacebuilding processes.
- The event is part of the "Women, Peace, and Security" agenda and will contribute to the development of the third-generation Provincial Action Plan for 2026-2028.
