MKAAJI

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the toughest places in the world to be a woman not least due to an ongoing war that often uses strategic campaigns of sexual violence.

MKAAJI is transforming lives in rural communities in DRC. Through advocacy, community engagement and strategic collaboration with civil society organizations, the charity works towards the socio-economic enhancement of residents, fights for a sustainable future and advocates for the protection of women and children.

With support from The Circle, MKAAJI are working to combat sexual and gender-based violence around mining sites in the Kabare and Kalehe territories. By offering income-generating opportunities and training for effective community conflict resolution, their initiative empowers women and girls who have survived sexual violence. The grant will also support MKAAJI in setting up two rural women’s leadership and dialogue centres where they can nurture leadership skills and facilitate conversation around sexual and gender-based violence. By directly supporting 300 women and girls, the project will have a ripple effect extending to 1,500 members of the wider community.

MKAAJI aims to reduce sexual and gender-based violence against women and provide tools for empowerment. With support from The Circle, MKAAJI is working to create lasting change in DRC by shifting social narratives, amplifying women’s voices, and providing safety and security in rural mining communities.