Combatting Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Holistically

Location: Masisi and Rutshuru, North Kivu
Partners: DanChurchAid (DCA)

The repeated and armed conflicts in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo have led to a climate of lawlessness and impunity. Basic humanitarian needs, and in particular protection needs, are therefore largely unmet. This lack (or even total absence) of assistance creates great vulnerability among people in the region, especially women and children.

In cooperation with DanChurchAid (DCA), Help a Child addresses protection needs, and in particular sexual and gender-based violence in the region, through the innovative ‘Empowered to Protect‘ approach. The aim of the program is to improve the protective environment of displaced women, men, boys, and girls. We started in 2019 in South Kivu with 936 participants with promising results and are now expanding in Masisi and Rutshuru territories.