Project to Combat Violence against Girls and Women in the Great Lakes Region / Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo

At a glance

Country / Provinces:

Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Beneficiaries:

  • girls and women from target zones who have been victims of violence
  • 601 women organizations and 1790 grassroots associations and women’s groups

Length:

July 2010 - June 2017

Partners:

  • Concertation des Collectifs des Associations Féminines, Great Lakes Region (COCAFM/GL)
  • Eleven of the network’s member collectives from Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Budget:

Can $ 13,150,042

  • $ 12,900,042 provided by CIDA
  • $ 150,000 provided by CECI
  • $ 100,000 provided by COCAFM/GL

Combating Violence Against Girls and Young Women in the Great Lakes Region of Africa

Bloody conflicts in recent years have left millions dead in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. Throughout the region, in Burundi, DRC and Rwanda, it is women who have borne the brunt of war and instability. Many have been victims of sexual violence, have been left homeless and have lost loved ones. These multiple hardships have in turn devastated families and communities and perpetuated poverty. It is in this context and this region where women’s safety is still threatened that the PLUVIF¹ project – lead by COCAFM/GL² , supported by CECI and funded by CIDA – will begin working to ensure the protection of and respect for women’s physical and psychological integrity. The objective is simple: to come to the aid of girls and women who are victims of violence.

One aspect of the project aims to provide victims with access to services (health, legal, and psychosocial). Another is to raise awareness, and particularly among men, so that with their increased consciousness they can become key players in societal change. Lastly, in each country the project’s beneficiaries will be invited to develop their own monitoring and advocacy activities, with the aim of engaging authorities in a constructive dialogue on human rights and more effective implementation of legislation to protect women. This approach encourages women to take the lead, thereby transforming victims into agents of change – which is the key to any long term, sustainable reduction of violence.

The overall context in which this initiative is developing seems in fact to be quite favourable. Suzanne Dumouchel, project manager at CECI, explains: “Laws and strategies to combat violence have been adopted in all these countries. The challenge – and it’s a big one – is to put these tools into practice. […] On the other hand, groups of men seem ready and able to contribute to the cause.” On the whole, the dynamic is positive, and there is good reason for optimism.

¹ PLUVIF: Projet de Lutte Contre les Violences Faîtes aux Filles et jeunes femmes dans la région des Grands lacs

² COCAFAM/GL: Concertation des Collectifs des Associations Féminines/ Grands Lacs.
   A network consisting of 11 collectives (601 organizations that represent 1790 grassroots associations and womens groups.)


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