Breaking the Silence: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

In a powerful collaboration with Youth Alliance for Reproductive Health (YARH), Youth Sprint, and iPas DRC, Repro Justice Congo seized the global spotlight during the 16 Days of Activism to Eliminate Violence Against Women, spanning from November 25 to December 10, 2023. Together, we orchestrated a symphony of initiatives to challenge norms, drive awareness, and foster change. The heartbeat of our campaign reverberated across social media platforms, where we engaged a staggering 1.2 million users on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Through compelling storytelling, we shed light on the experiences of displaced women and girls who had triumphed over sexual violence, while also emphasizing the hurdles they faced in accessing safe abortion services and justice. Unveiling the harsh reality of misconceptions, our teams bravely countered opposition narratives that inaccurately labeled our campaign as promoting the unthinkable. On December 1st, an invitation from the National Multisector Program against AIDS (PNMLS) placed us at the forefront of the fight against HIV. Serving over 300 individuals, including key populations, young women, and adolescents, we not only provided stigma-free HIV services but also extended counseling and referrals for those who tested positive. The vibrant conference at the University of Goma echoed with the voices of students, who courageously reported on gender-based violence prevalent within the university milieu. From frequent sexual harassment to instances of rape, the participants emphasized the urgent need for confidential mechanisms to report perpetrators and address these systemic issues. Our reach extended to the most vulnerable, as we connected with homeless women and men, imparting crucial information on GBV prevention and promoting positive masculinity. Their stories painted a stark picture – GBV rampant among homeless women, often perpetrated by peers and security organs. The harrowing practice of women being forced into sex work, with the proceeds controlled by male leaders, illuminated the dire need for comprehensive SRHR services and information.