Brief Report on our Abortion Activities among IDPs around Goma
The challenges still remain and appear to be the same, access to information, stigmatization, unsafe abortion and beliefs are among the issues women are battling with while they are confronted to all forms of sexual violence and all forms of abuses. Please find our report here ” Abortion Report June 2024
June information session on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Goma, North Kivu the Democratic Republic of Congo
Exchange with the Committee of the students at ULPGL University in Goma
On Saturday June 15th 2024 we held our monthly information session with students from ULPGL University in Goma, this session focused on small group of 8 people who compose the committee of the student’s association.
Two members from COJESKI North Kivu facilitated the session mainly Kulihoshi Musikami Pecos, the Provincial Coordinator and Florence who is our SRHR advocacy officer.
The two hours discussions started with the presentation of SRHR by Kulihoshi Pecos who focused more on sex and sexuality, the knowledge, the culture and religious beliefs about sex and sexuality and then the community approaches. More attention was put on information about sex and sexuality, sharing accurate information and clarifying on myths around sex.
Examples were shared how people have been affected and more concerns were on what should be done in order to reduce the negative effects, and especially how best could such information reach the masses.
The audience observed the strong control of information and knowledge about sex and sexuality by the religion which is at the center of every debate, and the consequences related to those who may have a different view about this, but also the lack of sharing information about sex and sexuality in our community where such information is exclusive to certain people and yet it not yet clear which kind of information they do have.
But also the students were wondering is such debate which may be different from the church teaching is likely to be accepted in the University, and if the best way should to engage with the students outside the University. On the issue of sexuality more attention was put on the problematic of sexual minorities especially LGBTIQ in Goma, which are highly stigmatized and criminalized yet they are part of the community.
Achievements
The meeting exchange which brought interesting discussions
We were so happy that at least at ULPGL University in Goma we managed to share knowledge with 8 students who were so happy to learn something different and who pleased to amplify the right information about sex and sexuality,
We encouraged the students to focus more on sharing alternative information with others, but not decided for them this may be on one to one, but also in other forums outside the University,
On the issue of LGBTIQ we encouraged students to avoid anything about discrimination, stigmatization and respect the choices of others even if they do not agree with.
Challenges
The two hours exchange were not enough and our audience needed more time, we thing being the first time to share with them this information that was normal,
Legal policy which criminalizes sexual activities in DRC and which prohibit sharing information about sex and sexuality, including abortion, however we shared with them what is legal and what is illegal and there is still need to look deeply into this,
The religious and culture stereotypes towards such a debate which term it as sin and forbidden, students were encouraged to get more information and avoid confrontation with religious leaders,
The lack of funding which could have helped to extend this debate to many students, in a free debate environment and for at least half a day or even the whole day,
The lack of legal expert in this field to explore the whole legal background and articles in relation to SRHR,
The need to acquire funding in order to expand this activity in the community and to reach many young people,
This programme will develop activities that will focus on various health issues not only for young people but also for the entire population in North Kivu Province and in DRC.
Abortion Stigma Reduction
With a seed funding from Abortion Conversation Projects, we started this projects which is also focusing on all issues around abortion in Goma, which can be extended to the entire province. This project started since February and in continuing up to now. Here is the brief report of the Information Session we had with IDP Women from Bulengo Camp in Goma on May 9th, 2024. Here is the report “Information Session on Abortion to IDP women in Goma
We have also started a fundraising drive on GlobalGiving through this link, please donate to our cause here: http://Link: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/support-the-reduction-of-abortion-stigma-goma-drc/
Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV)
We have also started conversations on issues around SGBV in Goma and in the whole North Kivu with the intention to reduce causes of SGBV and offer necessary interventions to the survivors.
Participants after the Day of Reflection posing for group photo outside our offices in Goma, North Kivu
On Friday May 17th, 2024 we held our first Community Reflection on the challenges around Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Eastern DRCongo, despite being said at international SGBV is still a big problem at the community level and continue to affect many in their communities, while women have paid the heavy price, not much has been documented about men who continue to suffer in silence and in total indifference of the community members. Here is the brief report of the SGBV Day of Reflection which was held at our offices here in Goma, North Kivu, the Democratic Republic of Congo: Report of the Day of Reflection on Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Goma
Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR)
Sexuality is one among issues that are badly ignored in this country which people do not talk about yet which has so many severe consequences. We wish to start also a conversation on SRHR among young people in Goma and in the entire province. Together with the Students Committees in Goma we are organizing an information session on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights focusing on students in three different Universities in Goma.
Commemorating the World Women Health Rights on May 28 in Goma
Activities to mitigate women Menstruation on the Commemoration of May 28th the Global Day of Actions for Women Health Rights, in Goma, the Democratic Republic of Congo.
We joined the rest of the globe to commemorate this day, and our attention was put on mitigating negative attitudes and perceptions, cultural beliefs and negative practices towards menstruation for women.
We engaged our audience in Social Media and we were so delighted to observe that the subject attracted more the attention of young people who commented on this topic for three days in various WhatsApp Groups. The following issues were brought forward:
Cultural belief: During their monthly periods women are the source misfortune in the society and they should be excluded from community issues, men should take distance from them, including the separation of the bed, periods are viewed as sickness by some women and during that time they will not do work, young people believe that sex activities can reduce the pain during periods, generally the culture of bulling women who have not managed very well their periods is common, and less information, awareness campaigns are done about this issue.
Actually young people acknowledged that it was their first time to interact publicly on this issue. However also the town of Goma has many challenges currently especially that people extremely poor, the challenges to access water, and women being economically dependent of men.
And lastly here was the main message during our two gathering with people, the first information session was at the office and the second was in the field with young people.
The rule in women (Menstruation),
This May 28 is the World Day of Commemoration of Women’s Menstrual Health, for this year the Global Theme is: “Breaking Taboos Related to Menstruation in Women”. Young girls, especially those who are at school, are the most affected and yet they deserve to be supported. How many drop out of school because of this, how many suffer from pain and infections, and how many are scandalized and humiliated by poor rule management?
Let’s talk a little about this human nature today and see how we can support women. Menstruation is not an illness as many consider it in our society, women should not regret being a woman because of menstruation.
It is important to note that this is a Natural Biological process and a sign that a person (woman) is healthy. It is a phenomenon that must be respected and well managed in the societies in which we live. In fact, having regular periods as a woman is something that not everyone should wake up and complain about, because it is one of the reasons why each of us exists as a woman.
However, a woman bleeding for 5-6 days every month is a big challenge for many because it is accompanied by a lot of cramping, mood swings, bleeding, which makes many women feel uncomfortable, whether in their workplace, at school, in their business and in their daily life. As a result, most young girls ultimately fail to reach their potential, particularly in terms of education, or in pursuing their dreams.
But the more troubling question is: As our fellow women/girls go through such difficult times, what kind of support have we offered them and what is our attitude?
How much help are these girls getting to make sure they get through this or to reduce this indomitable pain? How have we supported each other, when was the last time you pulled that girl’s hand to take her to a private place to do the necessary and essential cleaning? And do you still remember the last time you took a sanitary napkin out of your bag to share with your fellow girl? Not because she didn’t have any, but in those unfortunate moments when her period suddenly appeared?
Everyone knows that in most cases, when women have their period, they tend to do unpredictable and unjustified things, they will not be able to explain their actions and often can make bad decisions. Some go the extra mile to say words out of anger and discomfort without thinking about who is going to be affected by their emotions and actions, but have you ever approached this woman and calmed her down or you just don’t mind and forget that she is doing something unintentional.
How much does it cost you to make these girls feel comfortable and assure them of your support during such a time? It’s also important to keep an eye out for our girls. As a mother, when your daughter gets her first period, teach her how to manage the situation. Let’s stand up and create a world that respects the rules because it starts with you and me, the woman/girl should feel like she lives in a society where she is accepted, supported and protected. Your presence next to her should guarantee her support if necessary.
But also, for this to be implemented well, schools must provide all the necessary information about the menstrual period, services such as the availability of clean water, clean toilets for girls, as well as the importance of recognizing the emotional challenges associated with the menstrual period.
COJESKI North Kivu
Kulihoshi Musikami Pecos, Human Rights Defender
Provincial Coordinator of COJESKI North Kivu
Tel: +243853191163, email: cojeskinordkivu@gmail.com
www.cojeskinordkivu.org
HIV/AIDS
Since COVID-19 the fight against HIV/AIDs stopped and there is no activities around this problem yet it continues to claim innocent lives. So far we have realized that are highly ignorant about HIV/AIDs and over the years because of the influence of religious leaders people have not yet been given full information, there is a high level of stigmatization and those affected by HIV/AIDs are supported on how best they can live with it because first of all it a secret.
