IGNITING CHANGE: WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN GOMA
In Goma, North Kivu, where conflict and displacement affect over 1 million people as of April 2025, women and girls face unique challenges due to entrenched gender norms and insecurity. Wokovuway, a dedicated grassroots NGO, is championing women’s empowerment by fostering environments where women can lead, thrive, and shape their futures. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships with organizations like UN Women and UNFPA, and a commitment to cultural transformation, we are building a more equitable Goma, one empowered woman at a time.
The recent escalation of conflict, including M23’s control of parts of Goma, has displaced over 200,000 people since early 2024, amplifying the need for targeted empowerment initiatives. Wokovuway’s holistic approach combines leadership training, economic opportunities, and safe spaces to uplift women, enabling them to overcome systemic barriers and contribute to community resilience. Our work aligns with global goals, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality, ensuring women’s voices are heard in a region where 25.4 million people face humanitarian crises. Discover our mission.
LEADERSHIP AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
Wokovuway is redefining leadership by equipping women in Goma with the skills and confidence to take charge. In 2024, we trained 600 women in displacement camps like Lushagala and Bulengo in leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. These programs, supported by UN Women, empower women to start small businesses, manage household finances, and advocate for their rights. For instance, our tailoring cooperative has enabled 150 women to gain economic independence, producing reusable sanitary pads and clothing for local markets.
By fostering economic empowerment, we help women break free from dependency and patriarchal constraints. Participants report a 20% increase in household decision-making power, mirroring findings from World Bank initiatives in the DRC. These women are not just earning incomes but also inspiring others, creating a ripple effect of change across Goma’s communities. Support women’s economic empowerment.
SAFE SPACES: A FOUNDATION FOR EMPOWERMENT
In a city marked by insecurity, Wokovuway’s safe spaces provide women and girls with sanctuaries to heal, learn, and grow. In 2025, we established 10 safe spaces across Goma’s displacement camps, serving 3,000 women with access to counseling, vocational training, and dignity kits containing hygiene essentials. Partnering with UNICEF, we’ve distributed 6,000 kits since 2024, promoting health and self-esteem in camps like Kanyaruchinya, where flooding and conflict exacerbate vulnerabilities.
These spaces also host peer-led dialogues, where women share experiences and build solidarity. A 2025 survey showed 85% of participants felt more confident advocating for their needs after attending. By offering protection and opportunity, Wokovuway’s safe spaces are vital to empowering women in a region where access to basic services is often disrupted. Join us in creating safe spaces.
CHALLENGING GENDER NORMS FOR EQUALITY
Deep-rooted cultural norms in Goma often limit women’s roles, but Wokovuway is driving change through community engagement. Our gender equality workshops, conducted with MenEngage Alliance, involve both men and women to dismantle stereotypes and promote shared responsibility. In 2024, 800 participants, including 400 men, attended sessions challenging norms that perpetuate gender-based violence (GBV) and inequality.
These efforts have led to a 15% reduction in attitudes justifying GBV among participants, aligning with regional trends reported by the World Bank. Women like Amina, a workshop graduate, now lead community initiatives, proving that cultural shifts are possible. By fostering allyship and respect, Wokovuway is paving the way for a more inclusive Goma. Learn about MenEngage’s global efforts.
AMPLIFYING WOMEN’S VOICES
Wokovuway empowers women to advocate for their rights and influence community decisions. Our advocacy training programs, launched in 2024, have equipped 500 women with skills to engage local leaders and demand better services, such as improved camp security and access to education. In Lushagala camp, women trained by Wokovuway successfully lobbied for additional water points, benefiting 10,000 residents.
Globally, women’s advocacy is critical to achieving equality, as highlighted by UN Women’s leadership initiatives. In Goma, our programs amplify marginalized voices, ensuring women are not just participants but leaders in shaping their communities’ futures. Read inspiring stories of change.
A VISION FOR EMPOWERED COMMUNITIES
Wokovuway envisions a Goma where every woman has the tools to lead, prosper, and live with dignity. By 2026, we aim to train 5,000 women in leadership and vocational skills, expand safe spaces to reach 10,000 more women, and distribute 15,000 dignity kits across displacement camps. Our partnerships with UNFPA and UNICEF will strengthen these efforts, ensuring sustainable impact.
In a region facing ongoing conflict and displacement, empowering women is the cornerstone of resilient communities. By investing in women’s potential, Wokovuway is building a future where equality drives progress, offering hope amidst adversity. Help us empower women in Goma.