This past week, women traders from Goma (DR Congo) and Rubavu (Rwanda) came together to participate in a transformative workshop focused on peace-building, as part of the “AMAHORO N‘ITERAMBERE” project. Organized by ARDE/KUBAHO and SPR, the event offered a platform for women to engage in various seminars and activities aimed at promoting peace and resolving conflicts in their communities.
The session in progress
Workshop Goals and Highlights
In the lead-up to the International Day of Peace, which takes place on September 21, a series of events were held in both countries to foster a culture of peace and security, particularly in the cross-border regions. The workshop aimed to:
- Create a space for relaxation and reflection: The goal was to highlight the crucial role women play in peace-building efforts and the creation of secure borders between the two nations.
- Build trust and strengthen networks: The event provided women with an opportunity to exchange their experiences, discuss common challenges, and create a network of support within the cross-border area.
- Encourage public participation: Through the various activities, the workshop aimed to promote women’s active involvement in public life, particularly in peace-building and conflict resolution efforts.
The attendees with the materials facilitating the workshop
Key Activities
Several engaging activities were conducted as part of the workshop to achieve these objectives:
Sub-activity 4.3.1: Day 1 (September 18) – Goma
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Event Presentation: The workshop was officially launched with a presentation that outlined the goals of the event and provided participants with key information.
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Distribution of T-shirts and leaflets: Participants were given T-shirts and informational materials to raise awareness about the week’s peace-focused initiatives.
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Social Play on Peace and Border Security: A social play was performed, highlighting the importance of maintaining peace and security at the border. The play resonated with the audience, offering a creative way to discuss serious topics like conflict resolution and cooperation across borders.
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Women’s Sports Competition: A sports competition brought a sense of unity and camaraderie among the women. Physical activities helped participants relax and bond, reinforcing the workshop’s objectives of building trust and collaboration.
Some of the sports performed
Various entertainment were part of the Agenda
Empowering Women for Peace
The workshop was part of ongoing efforts to ensure that women in cross-border regions are not only included in peace-building processes but are also recognized as key actors in creating long-term security and stability. By participating in this event, women from both Goma and Rubavu strengthened their ties and gained tools to continue fostering peace in their respective communities.
This workshop is part of the broader project entitled ‘AMAHORO N‘ITERAMBERE’, implemented by ARDE/KUBAHO from Rwanda and SPR from the Democratic Republic of Congo, in partnership with Medicus Mundi from Spain. The project seeks to empower women as key agents of peace, promoting their active participation in conflict resolution, peace-building, and public life, especially in the cross-border areas of the Great Lakes region.
