Poverty, prostitution, insecurity, and precarious living conditions are the hallmarks of the Pakadjuma neighborhood in Kinshasa. The insecurity in this neighborhood is compounded by extreme poverty, pushing many women to engage in survival activities, often at the expense of their health. Violence, particularly frequent rapes, weighs heavily on the lives of women and young girls. Unwanted pregnancies are common, leading women to resort to unsafe abortions.
However, behind this harsh reality are women and girls seeking better living conditions and opportunities.
In this context, the Mwasi ya Bwanya show, broadcasted on Radio Télévision National Congolaise – The Congolese National Television – recently organized a dialogue in Pakadjuma. This special edition of the show was a collaboration with Ipas Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and several other actors committed to promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
No-holds-barred discussion on abortion
The event brought together various participants, including young girls and women from the neighborhood, members of Youth Sprint- a coalition of 24 youth organizations advocating for sexual and reproductive rights- Honorable Christelle Vuanga, a human rights advocate, Makoki ya Mwasi Champion and national deputy, Dr. Erasme, Health System specialist at Ipas DRC, and Mr. Eddie Ndungi, an education expert. Creeij, one of the organizations highly involved in advocacy, awareness campaigns, and training, contributed significantly by sharing testimonies from its members on the realities faced in Pakadjuma.
Women, girls, men, and other residents of the Pakadjuma district had an open, no-holds-barred discussion with our champions about sexuality and, more specifically, abortion.
Unique platform for sex workers
The show offered a unique platform for these young women to discuss sexuality, gender-based violence in Pakadjuma, and abortion. Sabrina, a sex worker, wanted to know more about the effects of contraceptive methods.
“Today, contraception allows us to avoid unwanted pregnancies, but are these methods really good for our health, and won’t we have fertility problems later on?”
Dr. Erasme emphasized the importance of choosing a method suited to their needs and demystified the preconceived ideas surrounding contraception.
Beyond sexual and reproductive health, the show served as a bridge between policymakers and the community, emphasizing the essential role the Government should play in promoting education and the economic empowerment of women and young people, to break the cycle of poverty. Yvette, a former sex worker, voiced the concerns of Pakadjuma’s women and girls to Christelle Vuanga, National Deputy and Chair of the Parliament’s Gender Commission:
“What is Parliament doing to help the women and girls of Pakadjuma emerge? People only see us as sex workers, without knowing that deep down we also want to go to school, have a decent job, and have the power to decide our own future.”
Honorable Christelle Vuanga advocated for strengthening educational infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to economic opportunities for the neighborhood’s young girls and women. Echoing this, Mr. Eddie Ndungi highlighted that education remains a fundamental pillar in helping young girls in Pakadjuma escape the vicious circle of marginalization.
Justice for survivors of gender-based violence
Vastine, a young student, pleaded for better care of gender-based violence survivors.
“In Pakadjuma, rape survivors are neglected. Whenever a survivor reports a rape, a fee is charged to open an investigation. What do you do when you can’t afford to pay the fees to open the case?” she asked the deputy.
Further on, the man whom we call Papa ya Bwania (wise father in Lingala) raised the issue of the abuse of minors committed in Pakadjuma by soldiers and other law enforcement officers: “Our daughters are raped by soldiers from the age of 12, and if a parent dares to complain, they risk being murdered. This is worse than Goma, we are living a nightmare.” Christelle Vuanga pledged to bring the community’s concerns to the table.
“The police must stop dismissing cases of rape. Dignity remains dignity, and no matter what social group she belongs to, every woman has the right to have her dignity respected and defended.”
This special edition of Mwasi ya Bwanya in Pakadjuma was not simply a space for dialogue, but a catalyst for new community initiatives. By highlighting the pressing needs of young girls and women, while providing concrete solutions, the show proved that a collaborative approach can make a real difference, even in contexts as complex as Pakadjuma.