International Medical Corps is engaging with young people to change attitudes about women's rights in the Congo. By giving young girls mentors and teaching them life skills through leadership clubs, we are providing them the tools to become empowered members of the community.
Called the rape capital of the world, women live under the constant threat of physical violence in the Congo. In addition, women hold a disproportionate burden of responsibilities, tending farms, carrying water and firewood, and caring for their families. As a result of this inequality, many women and girls are at risk of gender-based violence, including domestic violence and forced marriage.
This program works at the community-level with adolescent boys and girls to change attitudes towards women's rights. Boys and girls are put in groups to discuss gender roles, healthy relationships and women's rights. In addition, a leadership club for girls will be established to enhance their life skills and confidence. Finally, the girls will be encouraged to create community projects using the knowledge and skills they learned from the club.
This program aims to create lasting change within the community, encouraging adolescent boys, girls and their parents to participate in a positive dialogue around women's rights.
