AFEM on the move

BUKAVU: WOMEN WILL THEY APPLY AT THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL ?

2012-01-27T02:52:00.000-08:00

22 women have applied to legislative November 28, 2011 in the electoral district of Bukavu. However, none of them was elected. These results discourage women who have ambitions to stand for election to the Provincial Government.
"The people of the town of Bukavu has not yet trust the woman. Reason why no women were elected to represent the national electoral district of Bukavu. "These are the words of Mrs. Raisa Nsimire KIZUNGU candidate for deputy national constituency of Bukavu on behalf of the political party of the Congolese Union for the Nation (UNC). For 5 seats in the National Assembly, 154 candidates whose 22women have registered for the electoral district of Bukavu. The women hoped to see at least one woman grab one of these seats.

During the election, women candidates were returned to their respective bases to seek their votes. Some candidates gave money to voters to get elected, but the candidates had no financial means to make their election campaigns. "I can not vote for a candidate who has given me nothing because once the National Assembly, he will think the electorate," one resident expressed Mushaga the city of Bukavu.

Sometimes some candidates reassured voters by telling them they supported their applications. A woman candidate said: "I saw the public behind me in all three districts of the city of Bukavu, I hoped to win the election, I understand that so far the people of our city have not yet understood that women deserve to be elected. "
After displaying the results in different centers women candidates had realized that they had failed.
Others, however, some appointment of some competent women who have failed in the legislative elections of november in senior positions because they believe that some of them are able to work for the benefit of the people . Solange LWASHIGA executive secretary of the Women's Caucus for Peace in the Kivu knew the massive failure of women in legislative elections in Bukavu and recommend to the competent authorities to appoint some women in decision-making, choosing those best placed which may well be responsible as a leader.

Women politicians are wondering if the situation is the same for the MPP, and whether to give power to men alone. Something that can not be done because the constitution of the RD. Congo accepted the gender - (equal opportunities). Now that we prepare the provincial elections, some women who had political ambitions for the elections reserve.

Rape and sexual violence as weapons

2012-01-26T04:31:00.000-08:00

In almost the entire continent of Africa, the resurgence of tensions and the proliferation of armed conflict are visible. This situation raises serious consequences among the communities especially in women, jeopardizing peace and the development of future generations.

After more than 30 years of dictatorship and about 15 years of repetitive armed con-flicts, the DRC remains trapped in a recurring situa-tion of "neither peace" "nor war" with the result of grow-ing insecurity of people with the massive violations of hu-man rights. Each year it is more criminal than the previ-ous year.

Women face a more dramatic dimension of these wars with the perpetrated sexual vio-lence on women of all ages. Rapes and sexual violence are used by the belligerents as a weapon of war and a means of destruction of communi-ties.

These actions leave serious consequences in women, and in some cases death. The rural women are the first victims of armed conflict because of the proximity to the sites of the belligerents.

In assessment of this context of life to the persistence of insecurity caused by the pres-ence of foreign armed groups like the FDLR, the LRA and uncontrolled internal militias, the woman sees herself plunged into a state of vulner-ability exacerbated due to her social position in our respec-tive traditions.

Some of our customs are the basis of violations of the most fundamental rights of the woman who finds herself de-prived of freedom, participa-tion and growth because of her absence at a stage of deci-sion making. This is in accor-dance with the custom of re-ducing women‘s role of a simple guardian of the house-hold. This situation gives a societal imbalance that affects all areas of life.

In DRC women can only fol-low the news if her husband is at home, she has no right to touch the radio and the hus-band locks it in his bed room when he is absent from home.

The media has been a real factor in promoting gender-based violence, by spreading messages that give the sub-mission of women and superi-ority of man. Even within the media, the women are not placed in positions of respon-sibility because of in consid-eration of the problem of lack of competence and capacity as mentioned by the men of the media.

SK AFEM recipients involved in the development of its Strategic Plan 2012-2014

2012-01-25T03:46:00.000-08:00

Since Monday, January 16, rural women delegates of listening clubs participate in the workshop to develop the Strategic Plan 2012-2014 AFEM.

The nine rural women who come from eight areas of the South Kivu province came to acquire new knowledge of the Results Based Management "GAR".
They know that ultimately they are "hunters" results in their work everyday activists for democracy, good governance and gender.

Under the facilitation team AFEM, they discussed the specific contexts of their environments, problems and felt needs of their communities as well as advances or progress since their involvement in the development of their communities.
These rural women delegates of listening clubs are developing a strategic plan 2012-2014 AFEM. They promise to make restitution of the workshop in their respective communities.

The members of the community of Kabare, convinced of the relevance of political participation of women

2012-01-24T00:25:00.000-08:00

118 candidates including 10 women were competing in the electoral district of Kabare for 4 seats in the national assembly. Following the presidential and legislative elections of November 28, 2011 National DR Congo, two women and two men were elected members of national parliaments in the electoral district of Kabare, one of eight areas of the province of South Kivu.

This is Muderhwa NABINTU Beatrice Kabare Nsimire ELIANE; Mudumbi BIRI-EMO-IRAG Mulund Joseph and Jean-Marie Bamporiki Namegabe
After the 2006 elections and the failure of screaming women candidates at all levels, awareness campaigns and advocacy organized by feminist organizations for strategic voting of women have become so large that women and men of Kabare have appropriated the messages to see women as positions of responsibility, not only in politics but also in different spheres of life.

These sensitizations were made over the whole of the province of South Kivu. After the national elections of 2011, only the territory of Kabare was able to get two women. In other districts, the failure of women is justified by the fact that voters were disappointed by the mandate passes and their language was "men fails, women can they succeed? Rather give the chance for a new team of men. Women will be voted at the provincial and local elections. "
The two women elected Kabare received support from community members because of Kabare for civil society Kabare "sensitization have started since the elections of 2006 and 2011, we had works in synergy with women's organizations and local authorities in order to vote for women, "said Mr Salvator Nyakuri, vice president of civil society Kabare.
These material actions avowed by most voters as the stimulus that led them to vote for women are among others the construction of walking in Kabare MANA Center, "a work that feeds hundreds of families but can not receive the sellers and buyers when it rains. Most of the time we ceased sales activities during bad weather, "said a food vendor. Also, the gift of transformers in four groups Kabare to overcome the lack of electricity. During the election campaign, the women promised to make laws for the benefit of the people of Kabare in particular and all Congolese in general, to fight for the rights of women and education for all. "Voters believed in these promises because they have already seen the works of these women, and were convinced they could do better once elected; "Says the director of the campaign of one of these women.

The struggle of women for the attainment of national deputation was not easy. The socio-customary persist. With more awareness of women's associations, traditional authorities Kabare have begun to act by promoting the positive aspects of custom and ignoring negative ones discriminating against the emancipation of women. "The leadership of Kabare, for several years, educates parents to give their children the chance girl to go to school and to do great research. The right to inheritance, to free speech, etc. women are now recognized. Also, our two women elected had the support of their husbands - who accept that they are candidates, the neighbours, men and women of the community of Kabare and the fact, we support traditional authorities'. "It's a pride for the territory of Kabare, which proves to be the first to gender equality! "Said CHIRUZA Deogratias, administrative secretary of the chiefdom of Kabare.

Ms. M'RUTHALE Nabintu, human rights activist of Women Kabare, explains that when a woman is a candidate for deputy national, it is supported not only as a woman has a different sensitivity from that of the man in relation to the problems of society, but also by working together with humans, it can accomplish great things.

The territory of Kabare waits to see the work of ladies Beatrice Kabare Muderhwa and NABINTU Nsimire Eliane for the next five years because it is a first in the history of this territory. The success of the two women is that in the whole province of South Kivu since they are the only ones to represent the province in the national assembly for the new term.

AFEM SK honors his administration President

2011-11-07T03:10:00.000-08:00

The new director of Radio Maendeleo and President of the AFEM SK Jolly Kamuntu was honored this Sunday, November 6. Women of the media have decided to honor his member.

"Women of the media should provide a lot of effort to fill positions of responsibility, but they need a proven professional competence."
This message is from the Coordinator of AFEM SK Chouchou Namegabe. She said during the ceremony for the new director of Radio Maendeleo and President of the AFEM SK Jolly Kamuntu.
Chouchou Namegabe says that the women of the media in South Kivu come from another position in the media policy of the DRC in general and South Kivu in particular.

That's why this increase should not go unnoticed for members of the Association of Media Women of South Kivu. During the ceremony, they praised and honored one by one their sister promoted to Director of Radio Maendeleo Bukavu.
For Miss Clotilde Bangwene AZIZA, she feels proud of Jolly Kamuntu because since it was proposed as a contributor to the radio and she win. Today, she realizes the wish of all women engaged in the fight against gender-based violence.
Speaking, one could see the new director of Radio Maendeleo and President of the AFEM SK Jolly Kamuntu with a cheerful air and overtaken by the surprise of the day, which itself has said and I quote: "I imagined not come to an event of such a large scale and to which you have attached so much importance. "

All participants, members of the media houses in South Kivu, wanted to Jolly Kamuntu good work every success.

Lazy husbands make their wives slaves

2011-11-02T05:55:00.000-07:00

Despite their meager incomes, many women of the territory of Kabare support their families. Their husbands having resigned from their responsibilities as head of household, it is they who have to work hard to feed and clothe the husband and children and educate their children. And despite all the sacrifices made by these women, their husbands are constantly complaining that they do not care enough about them and threaten to take a second wife.

following the repeated wars that were developed in eastern DRC, several families in the South Kivu province have lost their jobs, their income-generating activities and several valuables. Many men died in these wars and those who survived was themselves unemployed. Faced with this factual situation, women have taken over. In urban areas they have engaged in several trades to survive their families. We saw them work for others, to the porter, maintain small vegetable gardens in the family plot, sell various small items at the auction, etc.. Those in rural areas were not spared by this calamity. Most of them were left on the road because their villages burned or invested by local and foreign armed groups. To survive they must get up very early to cultivate the fields of others for a small fee. The return of peace, all the families on the move have returned to their villages. In the territory of Kabare, men did not understand that they must regain their place as head of the family. They continued to wait while their wives.
Nabintu Sifa, a woman of 45 years living in the village Kagabi complains: "I sell the sweet patatoes with a capital equivalent to $ 20. I have to walk every day a distance of 10 km to reach the market. All because it's me who now and have to feed and clothe my husband and six children, pay school fees of these children and take care of all other family needs. "
Nabintu Sifa is not the only woman to complain in this direction in Kabare. This is almost universal for all women of this territory. Not that their husbands are unable to find ways to play their part but simply because they prefer to live in idleness to enslave their women. And even when they happen to catch a penny, these men prefer to squander it in beer and other personal trivia rather than to benefit their families.
"My money is not intended for the purchase of food, clothing or school fees for children. If the mother does not want to do it is their problem. I have sufficiently supported and I never complain. When she will be unable to support, I will marry a second woman who can do it better, "said Mr. CHISHIBANJI arrogantly, husband of Mrs. Sifa NABINTU.
Bound by a tradition that the woman is completely submissive to her husband, these women of Kabare are going through this martyr in spite of themselves. To save their husbands and they are avoiding rivals, they resign themselves to this kind of slavery which is in fact a serious violation of their basic rights.
Association rights of women should take up this situation to educate these women and their husbands on the roles and responsibilities in the home. Maybe this can help these men of Kabare understand that happiness of a family is the complementarity between man and his wife.

Chouchou Namegabe value in the field of Media in South Kivu

2011-11-02T05:25:00.000-07:00

For its second edition, the provincial council of the youth of South Kivu presents the degree of merit called "South Kivu Benchmark Award" 2nd edition, the Coordinator of the Women's Media Association of South Kivu, Chouchou Namegabe. It is recognized as a value in the field of media in South Kivu province with three other journalists in the province.

The appointment was made this Friday, October 28 by the Provincial Council of Youth in South Kivu. In his speech, Chouchou Namegabe called youth of south kivu to take responsibility in hand.

The Coordinator of the Women's media Association AFEM SK, told young that the future of the DRC depends on the upcoming elections, which are expected in November 2011. She said these elections require everyone's responsibility at all levels for Congo peace and developed.

Different people in several areas were also nominated.

The media had 4 people, among them were three members of the AFEM South Kivu. Coordinator of the Association of Women's Media Chouchou NAMEGABE, the Director of Vision Shala Tv Blaise NGOY SANYILA, Caddy ADZUBA journalist for Radio Okapi and Delphi Namuto journalist for Radio Okapi.
The jury of CPJ / SK says that, these nominees will serve as a benchmark and reference in the development and citizen participation throughout the DRC.

AWARD ON HUMAN RIGHT Chouchou NAMEGABE LAUREATE OF THE YEAR 2011 ON HUMAN RIGHTS

2011-10-19T02:04:00.000-07:00

Chouchou NAMEGABE receive the degree of merit

Chouchou NAMEGABE was crowned with a degree of merit and excellence for the year 2011 by the International Training Center in Human Rights and Development CFIDH/D.

CFIDH officials have expressed the wish to see these winners serve as models throughout the DRC, hoping positive change in all professional sectors.

Coordinator of the Women's Media Association of South Kivu, AFEM SK Chouchou NAMEGABE did not hesitate to call other women and the rest of the population to follow the steps in the dynamics of the culture of excellence.

8 women were amoung 29 people who were crowned by the CFIDH/D. All winners were chosen from different sectors of life; politics, human rights, journalism, education etc.

Among the winners also included the governor of South Kivu province Marcellin CHISHAMBO RUHOYA.

The criteria for choosing the winners were on their good work for 2011 higlighted the organizers.

The International Training Center in Human Rights and Development CFIDH/D, was wreatde in june 2009 in Kinshasa.

Chouchou NAMEGABE keynote speaker of CLARK University in Boston

2011-10-03T02:27:00.000-07:00

Chouchou NAMEGABE Coordinator of AFEM SK

"Congo Conflict and Sexual Violence", this is the theme which was adressed by Mrs. NAMEGABE Chouchou, Founder and director South Kivu Women's Media Association during a conference she held with more than 1000 students from CLARK University in Boston.

During two days, from september 24 to september 25, 2011 students wad informed of facts of recent history in eastern DRC, from 1994 to 1998, strategies and causes, they understanding some survivor's testimony, consequences and damages suffered by victims, other forms of sexual violence, responses to sexual violence: what is done, women, media and Sexual Gender Based Violences, a way forward for activists.

Respect to the organisation of women, the Director of AFEM explained that women's organisations raise their voices, given the dramatic magnitude of rape cases and atrocities.

the atrocities that accompany such violence reflect the intention of the attackers; "scare through the bodies of women use women's bodies as battlefields".

One of survivor's testimony " I was severely burned and, as this was not enough, they began to treat me like their wive. After our release, some of us were infected with HIV AIDS or syphilis. It was in Walikale that I've undergone this inhumane treatment by Rwandan soldiers." Panzi hospital in 2010 has identified 2681 cases(out patients) + 517 cases (interns) +202 cases (mobile clinic). Among the way forward for activists is to support integrated community-based reintegration without stigmatization of survivors, promote the empowerment of women, develop locally owned protection and prevention mechanisms,improve ownership and capacities of the government for increased coordination and complementarity etc..

Bukavu: Women oppressed by domestic violence

2011-09-28T01:49:00.000-07:00

Domestic violence is growing in the city of Bukavu to such an extent that it becomes a scourge that eats away at households. This violation of rights of women is no shortage of negative consequences of marital harmony.
"It is now three months since I lead a hellish life in my home. My husband always wants to behave like a despot and can not stand that I claim any of my rights. Because one night I had called for the satisfaction of my sexual desire, he treats me now bitch and unsatisfied.
He even ask me every time I dare to touch the bed, get my sexual satisfaction where I used to have it. It is as if, for him, I no longer exist. why does mockery and humiliation more than that? " Complains, tears, a young woman of twenty years, married with one child. She had come to seek advice from the office of the Social Vision Asbl to know how to recover its conjugal rights.
Domestic violence against women is a reality today in the city of Bukavu. Many women complain about it, each in form and submits it to his spouse because of domestic violence can take many forms. According to testimonies of women victims, it may be constant reproaches and insults, sometimes without good reason, just slapped with assault, deprivation diverse, lack of dialogue or lack of communication between spouses and so on.

The reason of the stronger
Most women, victims of one or other forms of domestic violence, we met in the city of Bukavu agree on the fact that men behave this way against them for selfish and masculine pride. "They are imbued with the fact that society sees them as head of household. They also wield the biblical words that want women to be submissive to their husbands, forgetting that the law considers all people equal. "Men think they are stronger than us and they are always right," remarked a woman victim, mother of seven children.
While the cause advanced by women is possible, it is also true that domestic violence can be caused in men by other reasons, including drunkenness and, especially low economic power over their women. This result causes men a kind of complex they seek to compensate by acts of violence against their wives. Since the successive wars of 1996, 1998 and 2004 it is women who provide for all household needs, including through the small business, their husbands are reduced to low wages and irregular for some and unemployment for others.

There is no one without two
All this violence is not without consequences for women victims as appropriate, the consequences can be physical, moral or psychological.
"Every time my husband comes home I have goose bumps. The calmness of the day disappears directly because I think that the ordeal began," said Madame Wivinne, which does not hesitate to show it has a few scars on the face and arms, the result of physical abuse of her Husband against him. She even admits that she has what it takes for the house, but she is not happy.
Dr. Anselm, General Practitioner in a polyclinic of the city, said that domestic violence can cause women victims of cardiovascular diseases and injuries of all kinds.
It must be recognized that many women victims of domestic violence suffer in secret. "They are afraid to spread their suffering, either by shame or fear of reprisals from their husbands or just for the sake of maintaining their homes," said Madame Hortense manager, an association of women for the development of Katana .
Whatever its form, domestic violence is a serious violation of the rights of women. Its consequences are such that they affect not only the physical and psychological integrity of the victim, but it also destabilizes the home to take away his characteristic haven.

Arlene KAJABIKA

A WOMAN WILL LEAD RADIO MAENDELEO

2011-09-27T03:11:00.000-07:00

Jolly KAMUNTU is now the new Director of Community Radio Maendeleo of Bukavu.

The President of the Board of Directors of the Association of Women's Media AFEM SK Jolly Kamuntu NTABUNGE was promoted to director of Radio Maendeleo Bukavu since Thursday, September 22.
It replaces in this position Mushizi NFUNDIKO Kizito, who had spent 18 years in this position.

Before being appointed to this position, Jolly Kamuntu held almost all positions of the radio. First as external collaborator, producer and then as a producer journalist, as producer journalist in Editor in Chief and Chief of the programs, now as director.

The confirmation was made by the Chair of the Board of maendeleo radio Angela Bahige during the ceremony organized for this purpose. A letter confirming this position was given to him forthwith. Now, the structure of Radio Maendeleo, or the board to management will be led by two women.
Several directors of radio stations and their representatives were present at this event.
Honorary Director was crowned by a patent of merit by the board for the work done for all these years.

The Director congratulated incoming and placed the words of thanks to his predecessor, when he arrived on the radio it was he who had recruited as external collaborator.

Jolly Kamuntu a stick takes control of Radio Maendeleo, known in eastern DRC for its professionalism and training in journalistic career.

AFEM SK wants good job with the new director of Radio Maendeleo.

AFEM RECEIVES A DELEGATION OF JEWISH WORLD WATCH IN BUKAVU

2011-09-23T02:28:00.000-07:00

A delegation of Jewish World Watch partner AFEM visited its offices. This visit comes within the framework of partnership with JJW and AFEM. Visitors come all from U.S. A, many of them in California at the headquarters of Jewish World Watch. They was come to see the progress of the funded activity which focused on the organization of training of women journalists of the 8 rural areas of South Kivu.

A total of 22 women journalists from seven rural areas participated in this training. Shabunda territory was absent following the exaction of the FDLR and the inaccessibility of the region.
The team was led by the President and co-founder of JWW Kameni Janice Reznik.
She had spoken to a rural woman journalist, which one was come from Mugogo. FARAJA ZAWADI explained what was on the training and its importance without his journalistic career, which career she began eight months ago. She is a journalist on rural radio called Bubusa radio of Mugogo in the South Kivu province in DRC. This training focused on radio journalism, and writing for radio and harvesting and processing of information.
The recipient spoke of learning outcomes, but also the difficulties encountered in the field.

She said one objective behind in her is that being trained on new information technologies for a good professional.
It took an hour to the delegation of JWW to understand and appreciate what has been done on ground.
You can also get more information about the partner and activities on the website: www.JWW.org

after the fire, AFEM give a donation to the TRNC Bukavu

2011-09-16T06:36:00.003-07:00

After a fire had broken out on the night of 2 to 3 October 2011 in the chambers of the post-office in Bukavu, in which radio and TV studios, computers and all the property values of RTNC were not spared, the Association of Media women of South Kivu AFEM comes to rescue of the institution of public utility.

As her partner, she has to provide the RTNC a brand new laptop HP estimated at 1200 U.S. dollars.
The delivery of this laptop was held on Friday 16 at the station RTNC Bukavu.
According to the Coordinator of South Kivu AFEM Chouchou Namegabe, this computer is a new brand that will help the RTNC Bukavu to make video and audio editing for emissions and magazines. This laptop is estimated at $ 1,200 and has a capacity of 300 GB hard drive cocks and dicks 4GB RAM.
Chouchou Namegabe, says that the association of women media could not stay without making a gesture to his partner.
She once lamented the loss any archives that still retained the RTNC Bukavu, some of which dated from 1958 as the Director of the RTNC.
The Director of the RTNC station in South Kivu, Kalume KAVWE KATUMBI thanked the association of women media for this gesture how significant and commendable.
It promised the delegation of AFEM to use this material in a good father for the benefit of the entire population of South Kivu.
RTNC currently works in some rooms at the bottom of the post-office in Bukavu.

AFEM awareness on gender based violence in rural areas

2011-09-15T03:19:00.000-07:00

he AFEM-SK journalists makes outputs on various rural areas of the province of South Kivu; these environments are: Mugogo, Walungu center, Ihusi, City of Uvira and Kabare center.

These meetings are carried out in order to meet with community stakeholders including women. The meetings focus on the fight against gender-based violence for the greater participation of women in the elections of November 2011.

Spots to raise awareness of the elections are already designed and finished. Thy are produced in local languages and will be broadcast on radio partners AFEM.

The objective is to raise awareness of women as the majority of voters (52% against 50% men) and actress for positive change because of their natural mission of mother and educator.

The producing AFEM took the opportunity to interact with rural women on the responsibility of the latter in errors and failures consumed by women during the 2006 elections. They discussed the strategies to implement for their greater participation and responsibility of women voting in the upcoming elections.

Eastern Congo Initiative

2011-09-11T02:52:00.000-07:00

Durée du projet

Juillet 2011-juin 2012

Description des réalisations

Un certain nombre d’activités ont été réalisées au courant de ce premier semestre à savoir :

- Le monitoring des médias sur le processus électoral. AFEM-SK a recruté deux consultants pour le monitoring des médias sur le processus électoral. Toutes les informations liées au processus électoral diffusées dans les radios locales émettant à Bukavu ont été collectées et analysées par AFEM-SK. Des irrégularités, déséquilibres et dérapages ont été relevés et présentés à l’organe d’autorégulation et à la corporation pour les alerter et les interpeller à jouer leur rôle de régulation et d’autorégulation. Les informations bien traitées et équilibrées ont été partagées avec d’autres couches sociales plus basses à travers les noyaux clubs d’écoute et les microprogrammes produits diffusés sur les radios rurales dans le cadre du projet. Cela a amélioré la compréhension du processus électoral et ses enjeux dans le chef des communautés particulièrement les femmes.

- La production et la diffusion de 4 spots traduits en trois langues locales sur 12 chaînes de radio locales dont 8 rurales et 4 urbaines. Ces spots ont véhiculé le message d’éducation civique des communautés pour qu’elles soient capables de voter utile et qu’elles ne soient ni dupées ni manipulées par les politiques. Ces spots ont véhiculé également les messages de valorisation du rôle et place des femmes dans le processus électoral afin qu’elles participent massivement et qualitativement à différents titres : candidate, électrice, observatrice, témoin,…

- La production et la diffusion de 5 magazines portraits avec les femmes candidates aux élections législatives du 28 Nov. 2011

9 Femmes candidates ont bénéficié d’un espace d’expression dans 12 radios locales dont 8 urbaines et 4 rurales. Ces espaces accordés aux femmes sur les radios rurales leur ont permis d’expliquer leur projet de société, ce dont elles sont capables. Les voix des femmes candidates ont été écoutées par le public et cela a amélioré la visibilité des femmes candidates pendant la campagne électorale et brisée des préjugés et stéréotypes sur les femmes politiques.

- La production et la diffusion sur 12 radios locales (8 rurales et 4 urbaines) de 5 émissions débats avec les femmes leaders communautaires membres des clubs d’écoute et d’autres acteurs de la société civile. Les femmes rurales ont échangé débattu avec d’autres acteurs autour du processus électoral. Ces échanges et débats à travers les émissions radiophoniques ont permis aux femmes et à la population d’améliorer leur compréhension des enjeux du processus électoral.

- L’organisation d’un atelier d’échange à l’intention de 3 jours à l’intention de 45 journalistes et 5 acteurs de la société civile autour des stratégies que les médias sont appelé à mettre en œuvre pour prévenir et lutter contre les conflits post électoraux. Les professionnels des médias, les animateurs de l’organe de régulation (CSAC), les représentants de la corporation des journalistes et les acteurs de la société civile ont développé ensemble des mécanismes et des stratégies pour prévenir des éventuels conflits post électoraux avec la facilitation d’un expert local. Les journalistes ont fait une évaluation de la manière dont les médias traitent l’information liée au processus électoral. Beaucoup de dérapages ont été relevés surtout dans les médias appartenant aux hommes politiques et les journalistes se sont engagés à traiter de manière responsable et professionnelle l’information liée au processus électoral. L’organe de régulation a été alerté et interpellé sur sa léthargie.

5. histoire de succès et témoignage :

- Certaines femmes candidates aux élections législatives nationales qui avaient des difficultés à faire leur campagne suite à l’insuffisance des moyens financiers et à accéder aux médias, ont obtenu un espace pour se faire connaître et faire connaître leur projet de société. L’autre histoire est celui du coordonnateur provincial du conseil supérieur de l’audio-visuel et de la communication qui, après avoir été interpellé par les journalistes lors de l’atelier sur son principal rôle de régulation des médias, signé immédiatement des arrêtés portant répression de certaines radios qui ont cédé aux dérapages.

6. difficultés rencontrées :

La plus grande difficulté est le retard accusé pour la réalisation de certaines activités, particulièrement l’atelier sur la prévention des conflits post-électoraux. Ce retard était du au fait que le consultant facilitateur de la fondation Carter qui était prévu a manifesté son indisponibilité jusqu’à la dernière minutes d’où on a été obligé de recourir à de l’expertise locale.

7. résultat inattendu (positif ou négatif)

Déjà le lendemain, l’atelier sur les stratégies pour la prévention des conflits post-électoraux a produit ses premiers effets :

- au 3^e jour de l’atelier, les participants dont les journalistes, les animateurs de l’organe de régulation ainsi que les acteurs de la société civile se sont consacrés à la production des spots éducatifs véhiculant les messages d’appel à la paix et à la non violence pour réduire la psychose qui prévalait avant la proclamation des résultats des élections et influencer une acceptation ou contestation pacifique et légale des résultats proclamés par la CENI. Les spots produits ont été diffusés sur 4 radios locales. Les engagements pris par les journalistes à l’issue de l’atelier ont été publiés dans les rédactions des médias locaux comme guide de reportage pendant la période électorale et post électorale.

- une décision sanctionnant des médias locaux dont un appartenant à un politique et un autre à une confession religieuse est tombée et publiée dans d’autres médias locaux. Cette sanction a produit en effet pédagogique et dissuasif pour d’autres médias.

Rural Women in South Kivu determined to participate in upcoming elections

2011-09-09T03:53:00.000-07:00

lthough women have problems about their rights in society and particularly in their households with their husbands, rural women say they are determined to participate and support other women at the next election.
Testimony collected by AFEM South Kivu in different territories of that province.

Rural women in four areas are targeted for a first stage, including Kabare, Walungu, Kalehe and Uvira.
Although many husbands still forbid their wives to work or be a candidate although intellectual, some of them are participating in meetings held in their villages.

Those of Kabare and Walungu did not miss a word; Adelaide KUSINZA and Micheline KAMATE give their views: "in 2006 women were not aware of their involvement in elections, I personally think that we missed love and unity. But in 2011 I see that many women are involved. Also, many did not know the importance of voting; for now, many have the experience of past elections and may go with conscience because they still hope to change. "
KAMATE Micheline: "Several women had makes mistakes in the elections because it was a first exercise. Because it was for most the first time to participate in free and democratic elections. We encourage all women who feel able to work for the country to submit their nominations and we will be there to support them. "

Many words of encouragement to other women come from many parts of South Kivu; where even those sensitive AFEM has decided to conduct its activities by involving rural women.

This activity is within the scope of its objectives of promoting rural women.
One thing is clear, many of rural women still need to be sensitized and trained on the upcoming elections.

DRC electoral process, what about the participation of women in South Kivu

2011-09-05T04:04:00.000-07:00

months before the elections in November this year in DRC, different services AFEM South Kivu intensified activities.
The programming of broadcasting radio, magazines on the opinions, positions and views of women of South Kivu review.
These magazines focus on the views of women and organisation of elections.
Tha picture at the left is a planning meeting report on plans for the elections organisation, before, during and after that.
At this point several questions are:

- What is the role of women in the next elections?

- Is she motivated to face the uncoming elections?

- The involvement of young women in politics

- Perspective of politicians and elections of November 2011

- Prevention of post-election conflict

- Political parties and women’s participation in elections,…

Préparations are underway for the emission of gender, educational spot, newsletters can help the awakening of Congolese women in general and South Kivu in particular awareness.
The association of Media Women in South Kivu is committed to support the electoral process in DRC in november next for the promotion of urban and rural women.

"women of rural radio media ownership new information technologies"

2011-08-24T04:45:00.000-07:00

After several weeks of training in various radio stations in the city of Bukavu, the time is at work.

Rural women in the media admit to having professional experience in addition to special received in different formations. Of these, some conferences have led editors, raided on land for crop and were able to deal with these elements of its software, which documents broadcast on radio host. "Now I realize you can not compare the theory to practice, especially when it comes to work in a more advanced and digital radio," said one of the women in media placement. For her it is a successful first outing since she began her journalistic career. She claims to have had some difficulty at first but she was able to catch up and succeed. Note that the radio stations where the women of rural radio media were greeted them have left a clear field. They were able to hold the antennas animation difficult thing in the daily work of the journalist and is not given to anyone, especially that it happened in the most advanced radios in the province South Kivu in eastern DRC. Some of them are worried about working conditions in which they will continue once they return to their respective stations. The objective of this course after training is to promote rural women's media to flourish and give him a chance to grow as those of urban media. Because new technologies are an important tool in journalism today.

"From amateur to professional"

2011-08-18T06:08:00.000-07:00

Those wemen in the studio

"All can Change and all will change"

Soon seven other rural radio stations in four areas of South Kivu province will have well-trained female journalists on the concepts of professional journalism.
After three others who have received professional training course in Isanganiro radio in Burundi's capital Bujumbura, 7 others are in the dance.
In any case, nothing can stop AFEM promotion of women journalists, said the cordinator Chouchou NAMEGABE.
The seven rural women journalists were selected from 30 women participating journalists. currently 5 among them have a professional intership in five radios in the city of Bukavu, two of them are still unreachable.
For now, radios that form are, Maendeleo Radio, Congolese National Radio and Television RTNC and Neno la uzima Radio.
The rural stations are: Bubandana radio of Minova in Kalehe territory, Radio Communautaire Of Nyangezi in Walungu territory, le Messager radio and liberté radio both of Uvira and Ijulino radio of Ijwi territory.
This activity is within the scope of the second phase of trining and professionalism of women journalists from the association of Media Women in South Kivu "AFEM". It is supported by the non-governmental organisation National Endowment for Democracy, "NED".

Chouchou Namegabe takes part to Women in the World 2011

2011-03-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

From 10 to 12 March 2011 in New York City, AFEM's coordinator Chouchou Namegabe took part in the second "Women in the World" Summit. This event has been organized by US news site The Daily Beast and famous magazine Newsweek and brought together many celebrities, politicians, social activists, movie stars or media professionals from around the world, with a simple objective: listen to stories and find solutions to improve women's life. Chouchou intervened in a segment called "Women Journalists on the Frontlines". Read the report. Watch the video.

Chouchou took this opportunity to advocate for peace and the situation of women in the Democratic Republic of Congo by meeting high-level decision-makers. For instance:

Discussing women's issues in DRC with Michelle Bachelet, executive secretary of UN-WOMEN

Meeting former US president Bill Clinton

Chouchou Namegabe in top 100 delivering for women

2011-03-02T09:50:00.000-08:00

Today, radio journalist and AFEM's coordinator Chouchou Namegabe has been named as one of the "top100 most inspiring people delivering for girls and women" by advocacy organisation Women Deliver. Following the press release, the list Women Deliver 100 "recognizes women and men, both prominent and lesser known, who have committed themselves to improving the lives of girls and women around the world". For the US-based organisation, Namegabe's work has been "helping Congo’s women broadcast to the world". Other prominent congolese activists on the list are Justine Masika, founder of North Kivu's "Synergie des Femmes contre les Violences Sexuelles" and Dr Denis Mukwege, founder and director of the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu. View the full list >>

Fighting Congo’s Ills With Education and an Army of Women

2011-02-07T12:42:00.000-08:00

Todd Heisler reports on the opening of V Day's City of Joy in the New York Times.February 6, 2011 :

BUKAVU, Democratic Republic of Congo — Eve Ensler has an audacious plan.

For years, diplomats, aid workers, academics and government officials here have been vexed almost to the point of paralysis about how to attack this country’s staggering problem of sexual violence, in which hundreds of thousands of women have been raped, many quite sadistically, by the various armed groups who haunt the hills of eastern Congo. Read more >>

CITY OF JOY To Open This Friday, February 4th, In Bukavu DRC

2011-02-03T07:29:00.000-08:00

AFEM supports the opening of V-Day's "City of Joy". (V-Day & her founder Eve Ensler are strong AFEM partners. Recently, V-DAY funded the equipment of AFEM's production studio.) Here is the press release of the event :

City Of Joy Offers New Platform And Vision For Congolese Women To Pursue Peace In The DRC
What: Fondation Panzi (DRC), women of the Congo, and V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls, with support from UNICEF,will come together to celebrate the opening of the City of Joy, a revolutionary new community where Congolese women survivors of gender violence will have the opportunity to heal and develop their leadership through innovative programming.
Through its unique model, conceived, created, and developed by the women on the ground, the City of Joy will provide up to 180 women a year with an opportunity to benefit from group therapy; storytelling; dance; theater; self-defense; comprehensive sexuality education (covering HIV/AIDS, family planning); ecology and horticulture; technology and media; and economic empowerment. During the opening day, an organized summit of Congolese women will present their needs and demands to the world.

Who: V-Day Founder Eve Ensler, UN Messenger of Peace and V-Day supporter Charlize Theron, US Ambassador on Global Women's Issues Melanne Verveer, UN Special Envoy on Sexual Violence in Conflict Margot Wallstrom, V-Day Board Member Rosario Dawson, V-Day Supporters Dylan McDermott and Thandie Newton, Congolese Ambassador to the US Faida Mitifu, UNICEF DRC Representative a.i. Philippe Heffinck, AIDS Free World Co-Founder Stephen Lewis, V-Day Congo Director/Director of City of Joy Christine Schuler Deschryver, Panzi Hospital's Dr. Denis Mukwege, among others.
Where: Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
When: Friday, February 4, 2011
Why: This global event seeks to bring together grassroots activists, political leaders and stakeholders with residents and staff of City of Joy to create a sustainable path towards the health and empowerment of Congolese women.

The opening of City of Joy marks a momentous phase of V-Day’s STOP RAPING OUR GREATEST RESOURCE: Power To The Women and Girls of the DRC global campaign. Initiated in 2007, the campaign has been raising global awareness about the level of gender violence in the DRC and advocating for change throughout Congo. City of Joy is the beginning of what V-Day believes will be a powerful new platform for Congolese women, from which they can steer Eastern Congo’s destiny towards peace. It is the creation of a new template and vision where women turn their pain to power, restoring their sense of agency over their lives, and connecting them to the continuously expanding and evolving global V-Day movement.

About V-Day: V-Day is a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls that raises funds and awareness through benefit productions of Playwright/Founder Eve Ensler’s award winning play The Vagina Monologues and other artistic works. In 2010, over 5,400 V-Day benefit events took place produced by volunteer activists in the U.S. and around the world. To date, the V-Day movement has raised over $80 million and educated millions about the issue of violence against women and the efforts to end it, crafted international educational, media and PSA campaigns, launched the Karama program in the Middle East, reopened shelters, and funded over 12,000 community-based anti-violence programs and safe houses in Democratic Republic Of Congo, Haiti, Kenya, South Dakota, Egypt and Iraq. Over 300 million people have seen a V-Day benefit event in their community. In 2001, V-Day was named one of Worth Magazine's "100 Best Charities," in 2006 one of Marie Claire Magazine's Top Ten Charities, and in 2010 was named as one of the Top-Rated organizations on Great Nonprofits. www.vday.org

UN reports 53 new rape cases in DR Congo

2011-02-02T23:28:00.000-08:00

Source: Agence France-Presse (AFP)

Date: 02 Feb 2011

KINSHASA — The United Nations said Wednesday it had tallied 53 new cases of rape last month in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, bringing its total rape count to 120 since the beginning of 2011.
Between January 19 to 23, "53 people were raped on the market road to Milimba and Kitumba" two villages in Sud-Kivu province, the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement.
"Humanitarian workers who organized evaluation missions along this axis," have confirmed the facts, OCHA said, adding men and children figured among the victims.
It did not offer details on the possible assailants.
The UN earlier said that Congolese forces had raped more than 67 women in Sud-Kivu and neighbouring Nord-Kivu province in early January.
The Congolese government has expressed "reservations" about the UN's first set of numbers, saying only three victims have been formally identified and denouncing an alleged "smear campaign" against its armed forces.
Congolese troops and a hodgepodge of militia groups are regularly accused of rape and looting in the volatile east of the country, which one UN official last year called the "rape capital of the world."
Copyright © 2011 AFP.

Ben Affleck moved by victims' testimonies

2011-02-01T12:26:00.000-08:00

Today the american movie star Ben Affleck was able to touch the first results of Eastern Congo Initiative, the new foundation he created one year ago.He spent his day in Bukavu at the South Kivu's Women's Media Association where he met some victims of sexual violence who succeeded their community reintegration. He also visited the studio of Radio Maendeleo, one of the local radiostations AFEM partners with for the broadcasting of its shows presenting testimonies of survivors. Each week AFEM produces programmes broadcasted on more than 10 community radiostations in the the Province of South Kivu. These radio shows focus on empowering rural women, restoring dignity and enhancing women's self confidence.(Photo : Douce Namwezi, producer, and Chouchou Namegabe, coordinator, with Ben Affleck at AFEM's office)

CPJ tells Clinton of threat to women journalists in Congo

2009-09-15T01:51:00.000-07:00

September 15, 2009

The Hon. Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State

Dear Secretary Clinton:

In light of your recent advocacy on behalf of Congolese women during your visit to Goma, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, we are writing to bring to your attention our deep concerns about the safety of three reporters covering women’s issues in Bukavu, south of Goma.

The three reporters, Delphie Namuto and Caddy Adzuba of U.N.-sponsored broadcasting network Radio Okapi and Jolly Kamuntu of local station Radio Maendeleo are members of the South Kivu's Association of Women Journalists (AFEM), which has trained female journalists and presents radio programs spotlighting women's issues, especially in rural areas. The unstable eastern region, which is rich in minerals but devastated by war and atrocities against civilians, including the systematic rape of women, is currently one of Africa’s most dangerous cities for journalists, according to CPJ research. Just three weeks ago, a radio journalist was murdered in Bukavu, the third reporter killed in the city since 2007, and local investigations have not been thorough and transparent in solving the motives and circumstances of the murders, according to CPJ research.

Namuto, Adzuba, and Kamuntu were named in an anonymous text message sent on September 8 to Namuto: “You have a bad habit of interfering in what does not concern you to show that you are untouchable. Now, some of you will die so that you shut up. We’ve just been authorized to start with Kadi, then Kamuntu, then Namuto: a bullet to the head.”

Adzuba, 28, who began her career in 2002 as a presenter with national public broadcaster RTNC and covered issues of disarmament as a field reporter for U.S.-based conflict resolution organization Search for Common Ground, told CPJ she has received at least five menacing calls since September 6. In one instance, the caller said nothing, but held up the phone so she could hear the live radio broadcast of her station, she said. As the first one named to be killed, she is severely traumatized.

Namuto, 35, has been a Radio Okapi reporter since 2003 and is the mother of a 1-year-old girl. Kamuntu, also 35 and eight months pregnant, has been a reporter since 2000. She heads AFEM, and since 2005, she has produced a weekly program on justice that is broadcast on 35 stations in eastern Congo.

Adzuba and Namuto said they were questioned by police on Monday while Kamuntu filed a complaint with the military court on Saturday. In a September 11 letter to Bukavu Attorney General Flory Kabange Numbi, Congolese press freedom group Journaliste En Danger urged authorities to open an investigation and trace the phone number of the caller with mobile carrier Vodacom.

We call on you to impress upon the authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo the importance of the safety of human rights defenders, including journalists reporting on the war and its impact on vulnerable sections of the population, particularly women.

Sincerely,

Joel Simon
Executive Director

xSeptember 15, 2009

The Hon. Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20520

Via facisimile +1 (202) 647-2283

Dear Secretary Clinton:

In light of your recent advocacy on behalf of Congolese women during your visit to Goma, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, we are writing to bring to your attention our deep concerns about the safety of three reporters covering women’s issues in Bukavu, south of Goma.

The three reporters, Delphie Namuto and Caddy Adzuba of U.N.-sponsored broadcasting network Radio Okapi and Jolly Kamuntu of local station Radio Maendeleo are members of the South Kivu's Association of Women Journalists (AFEM), which has trained female journalists and presents radio programs spotlighting women's issues, especially in rural areas. The unstable eastern region, which is rich in minerals but devastated by war and atrocities against civilians, including the systematic rape of women, is currently one of Africa’s most dangerous cities for journalists, according to CPJ research. Just three weeks ago, a radio journalist was murdered in Bukavu, the third reporter killed in the city since 2007, and local investigations have not been thorough and transparent in solving the motives and circumstances of the murders, according to CPJ research.

Namuto, Adzuba, and Kamuntu were named in an anonymous text message sent on September 8 to Namuto: “You have a bad habit of interfering in what does not concern you to show that you are untouchable. Now, some of you will die so that you shut up. We’ve just been authorized to start with Kadi, then Kamuntu, then Namuto: a bullet to the head.”

Adzuba, 28, who began her career in 2002 as a presenter with national public broadcaster RTNC and covered issues of disarmament as a field reporter for U.S.-based conflict resolution organization Search for Common Ground, told CPJ she has received at least five menacing calls since September 6. In one instance, the caller said nothing, but held up the phone so she could hear the live radio broadcast of her station, she said. As the first one named to be killed, she is severely traumatized.

Namuto, 35, has been a Radio Okapi reporter since 2003 and is the mother of a 1-year-old girl. Kamuntu, also 35 and eight months pregnant, has been a reporter since 2000. She heads AFEM, and since 2005, she has produced a weekly program on justice that is broadcast on 35 stations in eastern Congo.

Adzuba and Namuto said they were questioned by police on Monday while Kamuntu filed a complaint with the military court on Saturday. In a September 11 letter to Bukavu Attorney General Flory Kabange Numbi, Congolese press freedom group Journaliste En Danger urged authorities to open an investigation and trace the phone number of the caller with mobile carrier Vodacom.

We call on you to impress upon the authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo the importance of the safety of human rights defenders, including journalists reporting on the war and its impact on vulnerable sections of the population, particularly women.

Sincerely,

Joel Simon
Executive Director

http://cpj.org/2009/09/cpj-tells-clinton-of-threats-to-women-journalists.php

CPJ reports death threats to AFEM members

2009-09-11T01:45:00.000-07:00

New York, September 11, 2009—Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo must aggressively investigate threats made against three radio reporters in the eastern city of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Delphie Namuto and Caddy Adzuba of U.N.-sponsored broadcasting network Radio Okapi and Jolly Kamuntu of local station Radio Maendeleo were named in an anonymous text message sent on Tuesday to Namuto: “You have a bad habit of interfering in what does not concern you to show that you are untouchable. Now, some of you will die so that you shut up We’ve just been authorized to start with Kadi, then Kamuntu, then Namuto: a bullet to the head.”

The threats come against a backdrop of increasing violence and intimidation—just two weeks after the murder of journalist Bruno Koko Chirambiza, the second radio reporter killed in this volatile city in 27 months, according to CPJ research.

Adzuba said she has received four menacing calls. She said she believed the caller has been tracking her movements using a masked number. On Thursday, she picked up a call from a local number. The caller said nothing, but held up the phone so she could hear the live radio broadcast of her station, she said. The threats have not been linked to any specific news item, according to Jacqueline Chenard, bureau chief of Radio Okapi in Bukavu.

Speaking with CPJ on Thursday, Bukavu police superintendent Col. Christian Shadiki Shamavu said he was not aware of the threats but would talk to the journalists. Shamavu told CPJ that the area has had a proliferation of armed groups circulating at night. The South Kivu's Association of Women Journalists (AFEM), the Congolese National Press Union, and the Network of Radio and Television Broadcasters of eastern Congo known as RATECO planned to file a complaint on Saturday, according to local journalists.

“Bukavu has become one of the most dangerous cities for journalists in Africa,” CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Tom Rhodes. “Authorities must do everything in their power to protect these journalists and end a long pattern of violence and intimidation against the press.”

Kamuntu, who heads AFEM, produces a weekly program called “Sheria Ni Dawa” (Justice is a Remedy), which is broadcast on 35 stations in eastern Congo. The program has covered sexual violence issues since June, she said.

“Radio Okapi journalists, like other journalists in Bukavu, do not feel safe because of persistent insecurity. It’s not only journalists, but also human rights defenders who are targeted,” said Chenard of Radio Okapi’s bureau in Bukavu.

Chouchou Namegabe Nabintu, 2009 Knight International Journalism Award Winner

2009-06-24T01:43:00.000-07:00

Chouchou Namegabe Nabintu, in her radio reports, brought to global attention how women in the Democratic Republic of Congo are raped and brutalized as a tactic of war. She has also organized a network of women journalists to cover key issues.

Chouchou Namegabe Nabintu uses community radio to report on the sexual violence against women in the lawless eastern section of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At great personal risk, the self-taught radio journalist traveled through refugee camps in remote regions to collect wrenching personal accounts from women traumatized by violence. In 12 years of conflict, more than six million people have died and hundreds of thousands of women and girls have been raped and tortured.

“As a journalist who challenges long-held cultural beliefs and exposes the brutality of a regional war that is being fought on the bodies of women, Chouchou puts her life on the line each and every day,” said playwright Eve Ensler, one of those who nominated Namegabe for the award. Namegabe continues to face threats, especially after her powerful testimony in 2007 urging the International Court of Justice to classify rape as a political weapon in the Congo.

Namegabe also founded the South Kivu Association of Women Journalists and began equipping other women with microphones and radios to report more stories, including investigations of corruption and government mismanagement. In a culture in which women are shamed into silence, she has helped women find their voices and given them a support network to grow professionally as journalists.

More about this :

http://www.knight.icfj.org/Awards/KnightAwardsOverview/ChouchouNamegabebrNabintu/tabid/1367/Default.aspx

http://www.icfj.org/News/PressReleases/KnightAward2009PressRelease/tabid/1371/Default.aspx

http://newswire.ascribe.org/cgi-bin/behold.pl?ascribeid=20090623.133504&time=05%2000%20PDT&year=2009&public=0

AFEM TO PARTICIPATE IN SENATE HEARINGS

2009-05-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

Confronting Rape and Other Forms of Violence Against Women in Conflict Zones

Joint hearing of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs (Feingold) and the new Subcommittee on International Operations and Organizations, Human Rights, Democracy and Global Women’s Issues (Boxer), the first-ever committee to deal specifically with women’s issues worldwide. Boxer and Feingold will preside.

Melanne Verveer will be a powerful witness on this topic from the State Department; Eve Ensler founder of V-Day has worked on these issues for years; and 2009 Vital Voices Fern Holland Award recipient, Chouchou Namegabe Nabintu, brings a powerful and personal story of the horiffic acts of violence against women she has witnessed and covered in Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This hearing is open to the public. (Source: Vital Voices)

Here is the official notice:

United States Senate
COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS
COMMITTEE NOTICE

TO: ALL MEMBERS
HEARING: CONFRONTING RAPE AND OTHER FORMS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN CONFLICT ZONES
SPOTLIGHT: DRC AND SUDAN
DATE: WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2009
TIME: 2:30 p.m.
PLACE: SD-419

WITNESSES:
PANEL ONE
The Honorable Melanne Verveer
Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues
Department of State, Washington, DC

PANEL TWO
Eve Ensler
Founder, V-Day

Democratic Republic of the Congo
Chouchou Namegabe Nabintu
Journalist, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Robert Warwick
Country Director of Southern Sudan
International Rescue Committee, Southern Sudan

Faces of AFEM

2009-03-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

Ridelphine KATABESHA AGANZE was born on June 30, 1985 in Bukavu, in South Kivu province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. After high school, she helped create a youth organization which promoted women's rights and the rights of senior citizens (APGA). She was promoted to APGA's vice coordinator, a position that she held until 2007. Interested in journalism, she became involved with the radio station Star/Bukavu as a journalist, producer and radio show hostess. The same year, she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Civil and Judiciary Law. She joined the Women's Media Association in April 2007 and was elected the secretary of the Board of Directors in July 2008. Presently, she specializes in reporting, editing and production for AFEM/SK. She is in her final year of a Law degree at the Official University of Bukavu. As a single woman, she is particularly involved in the fight for women's right. To that end, she combines her studies with her journalistic profession.

Julienne BASEKE: Born on October 24,1979 in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. At 10 years of age, she often went to see theatrical troops in her childhood town of Bukavu. At the end of her humanities studies in 2002, she was already a stage actress. In 2006, while she was employed as an instructor at the Official University of Bukavu, she began an internship at Radio Maria. The following year, she worked at Radio Maria as a contributor.
She joined AFEM/SK in 2006 and became AFEM's program coordinator. She is in charge of editing for projects and various reports. She produces shows on public awareness with rural women and as a result, she produces reports and interviews with these rural women. Julienne felt the need to get involved in journalism so that she could contribute to a positive image of women and push them to improve their situation. Julienne tries to use the media as a tool to encourage both awareness and advancement among marginalized groups.

Pascaline ZAMUDA MUKANDA: Born on October 26 1987 in West Kasai. She grew up in Bakuva, South Kivu province where her parents moved. At the young age of 12, she became interested in collective living and joined the Youth Association for Cultural Development (AJDC). The NGO Search for Common Ground recruited and trained 15 year old Julienne to become a young reporter. For five years, she performed the following duties: magazine editing and fieldwork in conflict zones. During this work, she reported on the situation of children in the armed forces and in conflict zones.  After four years of work, she was promoted to a supervisory position over young reporters. She performed this duty for one year until she was dismissed after exceeding the maximum qualifying age in 2007. In 2008, she joined the South Kivu Women's Media Association and took charge of production for advocacy and awareness on behalf of victims of sexual violence. She performs her job's duties in conjuction with her university studies. She is in her second year of undergraduate studies for Sociology at the Official University of Bukavu.

Colette SALIMA MULOBA is a journalist at Radio Maendeleo. After her studies in organizational behavior at the ISDR Bukavu, she began her journalistic career in 2006 at the Radio Télévision Grands Lacs. She continued her work at the Star radio station. Currently, she is employed at Maendeleo radio station. She chose journalism from a desire to be in contact with people, to listen to them, to help them and to resolve their problems. As a woman working in the media, she produces shows and moderated panels about women's advancement and sexual violence issues.

Joëlle NYARWAYA MUZIRIKWABO: Born on March 31, 1987 in Katana, in South Kivu province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She spent her childhood in Rwanda where her father worked as a nurse. In 1994, she returned to the Democratic Republic of Congo after the onset of the Rwandan genocide. At 12 years of age, she became a member of the group, Meeting Place for Congolese Children. There, she worked as a spokesperson. At 15, she joined the NGO Search for Common Ground where she trained as a young reporter and edited the magazine «SISI WATOTO» or «NOUS LES ENFANTS» in French. Once she reached adulthood (at age 18), Search for Common Ground dismissed her and AFEM-SK employed her to produce shows. Her broadcasts promoted public awareness and training for two important issues: women's rights and good governance in South Kivu. As a single woman, she works at AFEM while she is studying International Relations in her second year at the Official Univeristy of Bukavu.

Agnès SADIKI NYABISOKI: Agnès SADIKI NYABISOKI: was born on March 23, 1972 at Kantamba, in Shabunda territory, in South Kivu province. After her studies, she followed her religious calling and joined a convent. She later changed professions and married. In 2001, she felt the need to become a journalist and she began a career at the public radio station RTNC. There, she brought a new voice especially to women's issues because at the public radio station women had never held any influential positions. Her professional rise is defined by her determination to work for interpersonal communication.

Women's eNews: Panel Discussion with Chouchou Namegabe

2009-03-24T21:54:00.000-07:00

Media inattention and international inaction became the two faces of humanitarian indifference that emerged at a panel discussion on sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo hosted by Women's eNews in partnership with Vital Voices and the Women's Media Center on March 23.

http://www.womensenews.org/congo-invite.htm

Panel Decries Neglect of Sexual Violence in Congo Congo has been described as the worst country to be a woman, due to sexual atrocities being committed in the eastern part of the country. At a New York media event late last month, African panelist tried to rally humanitarian attention.

2009 Global Leadership Awards

2009-03-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

Chouchou Namegabe Nabintu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Vital Voices Fern Holland Award

In the Congo, 31-year old Chouchou Namegabe Nabintu is known by many as a pioneering, fearless voice for justice and accountability. Born in Bukavu in South Kivu Province, Chouchou developed a strong interest in radio broadcasting and journalism as a young student. She saw radio as the means through which to reach the masses in Congo, the only medium of communication accessible to nearly everyone everywhere.

In 1997, Chouchou began as a trainee and presenter at Radio Maendeleo, a popular local community radio station, and after volunteering for several years, entered the permanent reporting staff in 2002.

In the late 1990s, as Eastern Congo was overcome by violence, Chouchou turned her microphone into a potent weapon against the rampant violations of women’s human rights she saw taking place in her community. She gained a reputation as a journalist with expertise in women, health, and human rights. She also courageously denounced the corruption of mismanagement by public authorities.

In 2003 Chouchou founded the South Kivu’s Association of Women Journalists (“Association des Femmes des Médias du Sud Kivu” or “AFEM”) and assumed leadership of the Association as its president two years later. Chouchou has sought to perfect her technical skills by attending field trainings and searching for mentorship from experienced professionals, including foreign journalists.

With AFEM and through her radio broadcasts, Chouchou continues to shine a spotlight on women’s issues, especially in rural areas. She has also brought the plight of Congolese women to an international stage, recently traveling to the Hague in December 2007 to plead the case of Kivu’s women at the International Court of Justice, where she denounced without fear the impunity in which some major rebel leaders thrive and flourish. There is no question that the world will be hearing more from Chouchou in the years to come.

AFEM RECEIVES RISK AWARENESS TRAINING THANKS TO CPJ AND INSI

2009-01-23T22:01:00.000-08:00

Early December, the Committee to Protect Journalists nominated AFEM to participate in an International News Safety Institute risk awareness/hostile environment training held in Bukavu. The training lasted four days (Dec. 18 to 19 and Jan. 21 to 22).

Four AFEM members participated.

1. Jolly Kamuntu, journalist and producer at Radio Mandeleo and Presdient of AFEM's Administrative counsel.

2. Solange Lusiku, editor-in-chief of the monthly newspaper Le Souveran and member of AFEM.

3. Franchou Namegabe, founding member and president of AFEM.

4. Julienne Baseke, Programming Director at AFEM

Women's eNews: Journalists of the Month

2008-12-12T21:51:00.000-08:00

Band of Congo Radio Reporters Aid Rape Victims
In eastern DRC, a group of female journalists is managing to change the cultural acceptance of rape. Despite safety risks and chronic equipment problems, the members are persuading rural rape survivors to tell their stories and learn their rights.