Female leadership: a network of young female leaders in the DRC

Across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), young girls are standing out in their communities, breaking stereotypes, and making a difference. All were inspired to take action during the DRC Girls' Forum, where they shared their challenges, hopes, struggles, and battles.

"After participating in the Forum, I experienced a significant transformation. I had trouble speaking in public and controlling my emotions in front of a crowd, but now I am a confident and very determined person," explains Exaucée Likenze, 19 years old.

To support the potential and emergence of a network of engaged young girls, UNICEF has set up a personalized support program for the 81 Congolese participants of the Forum.

Wherever they are in the country, each young girl was individually followed by certified coaches and female mentors and participated in around fifty hours of training on leadership, project management, employability, and entrepreneurship.

"The training had a significant impact on me by helping me become a better leader. I felt the duty to share these new skills and organized feedback sessions to pass on what I had learned to the youth in my community," explains Jemima Kasongo, 19 years old.

The young girls also enhanced their life skills and sensitivity to environmental and civic issues. They then organized feedback sessions to share this new knowledge and skills with the youth in their communities.

The participants of the DRC Girls' Forum are contributing to breaking stereotypes and transforming their communities. Micheline, a resident of Goma, was inspired to support survivors of gender-based violence so they can speak out and denounce what they have experienced.

"Today, I am recognized in my community as a defender of girls' and women's rights. By helping the girls in my community make their voices heard, I encourage them to stand up against the violence they suffer," says Micheline, 23 years old.

Certified coaches were mobilized to help the young girls reflect on their life plans and aspirations, particularly professional ones.

A young girl living with a disability in Kinshasa, Samantha, learned to have confidence in herself thanks to the personalized support she received over nine months.

"My coach motivates and inspires me. Before this program, I thought I had no importance in society because of my disability, but I realized that it is not my amputated leg that defines me, but my brain. I have goals, and I must achieve them," explains Samantha.

Thanks to their mentors, they were guided in their journeys and encouraged to fully exploit their potential.

"My mentor helped me gain confidence and encouraged me to overcome all the limits I had set for myself. Today, I have learned to dream big, and the girls in my community aspire to follow my example," explains Merveille, from Kisangani.

To achieve their goals, all participants received a grant of 1,000 USD. Some turned to entrepreneurship, like Merveille, who chose to help the girls in her community by creating a business producing reusable sanitary pads.

Others preferred to invest in their education or training for their professional development. This was the option chosen by Esther, 20 years old, who funded her studies in communication and a certification in gender and social change.

"This grant helped me take control of my future. I choose to invest in myself and my ability to help the girls in my community make their voices heard," explains Esther.

The DRC Girls' Forum and the support program have enabled the participants to make their voices heard and become leaders in their communities. They are now mobilizing as agents of change and champions for girls.

Their journey inspires and encourages other girls to follow their dreams and stand up against inequalities and violence. "I am determined to contribute to creating a world where girls are free," concludes Esther.