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Messages of support
Jacqueline Musugani Nyangoma
Middle Africa · D.R. Congo
Empowering Women and Lobbying for the Right to Dignity
Jacqueline Musugani Nyangoma (48), married and mother of 7 children, is a grassroots women’s rights leader from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, working passionately to ensure justice and peace for the women of her country. In order to help the women of her community in South Kivu, she leads “Initiatives for Women in Difficult Situations for Integrated Development” (IFESIDI). As secretary general, Jacqueline represents rural women who fall victim to rape and violence in eastern RDC.
She does this at multiple national, regional, and international events, speaking out about violations and their right to justice. Thanks to her efforts and the work of other women and organizations, perpetrators of rape and other acts of violence against women are now being brought before the court in the RDC. In recognition of such success and as a testament to her hard work and determination, Jacqueline was elected to the administrative council of “Network of women’s organizations in Francophone Africa” (ROFAF) in 2010.
When Jacqueline is not lobbying for women’s rights, she is working in South Kivu, empowering women and victims of violence. Since 2002, she has been informing women of their rights and helping them regain their dignity. She teaches women to gain social and economic power, encouraging them to establish small projects such as the selling of foods and small goods to help feed their families. Jacqueline also advises women on farming practices, informing them on the benefits of growing soybeans, for both their health and environmental sustainability. The list of Jacqueline’s accomplishments is extensive, and ranges from establishing employment opportunities for women, to evacuating women from her province when a colonel came to conquer South Kivu.
Unfortunately, Jacqueline and her family have been forced to live undercover due to threats made against her. However, Jacqueline continues to support the female resource center she established in Kamituga in 2010 and helps empower women in their right to dignity.
Prize for women's creativity in rural life - 2012
