Women transport workers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) drove home the message that violence against women is a serious issue that must be tackled at an event in the Congolese capital recently.
Workers from the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) DRC women’s committee raised awareness of the issue of violence against women among delegates attending the Congolese Social Forum in Kinshasa from 23-26 October. The event, which is part of the World Social forum and the African Social Forum, provides social movements struggling for justice and rights for all with a space for discussion and sharing of experiences.
The women’s message focused specifically on violent acts being perpetrated against women in the eastern part of DRC, which is among the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman or a girl. It has been reported that in eastern Congo civilians – women and girls in particular – are targeted by armed militia, the military and even the police, who subject them to brutality and sexual violence. They argued that it was crucial to work together to eliminate all forms of violence against women in the region.
Joelle Mputu, general secretary of the Solidarité Syndicale des Travailleurs et Cadres du Congo, ITF women’s committee country coordinator said: “Violence against woman in eastern Congo is an everyday occurrence. It’s time we brought the issue out into the open.”
ITF unions are campaigning around the globe to stop violence against women workers and are contributing to the United Nations day of action on 25 November.