2010 DRC report: Amplifying the voices of women in Eastern Congo

As part of its survey series ‘Stronger Women, Stronger Nations’, Women for Women International (WfWI) conducted an extensive study in 2009 on the needs of women in the Kivus region of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). WfWI administered focus groups, and surveyed 1,784 socially excluded women and 246 men on their views and experiences; these represent the grassroots population, mostly living in rural areas. This survey illuminated women’s proposals to solve impediments to wellbeing, security, education, livelihoods, etc. Among the key findings is that increasing security is the most important way to improve women’s lives. Recommendations to policymakers and practitioners are also provided; their aim is to assist the cultivation of women’s social capital in Eastern DRC. The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa supported the research contained in this report.